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RAMAYANA BALLET

Malioboro, Sultan's Palace ( keraton Jogja) are all identical to Jogja.

Hanum         : Oh, yes I have been to Jogja

Brandstoetter: Oh where have you been?

Hanum         : Malioboro, Sultan's palace, and two must-see temples - Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Brandstoetter : Hmm, have you seen Ramayana Ballet?

Hanum : What's that?

Okay, the conversation above is just an illustration of a person who has been in Jogja, but has never seen Ramayana Ballet.

If you think Jogja is only Prambanan and Borobudur temples then you might need to go back to Prambanan once again. This is not only a temple;I'd say the greatest temple and the most beautiful one, but this is where Ramayana Ballet is performed every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Ramayana Ballet, a story adopted from India but performed in a Javanese dancing with a great Karawitan playing ( karawitan - a musical performance with a set of Javanese musical instruments called gamelan.) is worth seeing. The story of Rama Shinta performed beautifully with the background of Prambanan Temple that is seen clearly as some lights are located near the temple.

Entering the main entrance you will be welcomed by a friendly usher wearing a complete Javanese attire who will make sure that you find your seats. Some seats are available; VIP seats ( sofa seats), and special ( stone with cushions seats). I'd say sitting on a stone with cushion seat is more comfortable than sitting on a sofa. Entering the Prambanan area, there is a box filled with booklets about Ramayana Story provided in 6 different languages such as; English, Indonesian, French, Deutsch, Dutch, Spanish and Italian. But, do not expect too much with the foreign languages as some languages are not grammatically written.

Taking pictures is allowed during the performance. Only that each camera is charged Rp. 2000. I guess this is okay as this is a part of a maintenance of the temple too. As you might  know that the temple has been severly damaged because of the earthquake. I guess 2000 IDR means nothing compared to having this temple forever. So, I do not really complain too much about paying this and that.

During the performance, many foreigners use this moment to take some photos. According to many people, the performance is really great. The last time I went there, it got long applause.

After the performance, you are given 5 minutes to take some photos with the dancers. We used the chance though, but we did not get the chance to take some photos with Sita, the Princess.

There is even a ten-minute coffee break, then you can exchange your coupons with soft drinks depending on the price of the tickets you buy.  Near the coffee break area, which is outdoor, you can enjoy the karawitan playing. You can enjoy your ten-minutes break ( sorry I forgot to take some photos) while listening karawitan.

Some people I met said that after having watched the performance, they are in love with Gamelan. Many of them decide to buy CDs of gamelan or Karawitan ( sinden version). If you want to buy some gamelan CDs, a CD store in Malioboro Plaza is the right place. The thing I regret is that I did not even buy the gamelan CDs!! aarrrghh!!!

These are some of my suggestions if you want to go there to see Ramayana Ballet / after watching it;

1. Read the booklet before watching it.

2. Take special seats is not a bad idea at all.

3. Find information about when and what time it is played. ( it is usually at 7:30 PM)

4. Arrive there 45 minutes before as you can see the preparation of Ramayana Ballet plus have dinner nearby.

5. It is more beautiful if you see the performance during the full moon.

6. To make your memory of Jogja last, buy gamelan Cds.

This is what I can write about Ramayana Ballet. May this information be useful for your trip to Jogja. Should you need any information, PM me! I will be your online tour-guide exploring the beauty of Jogja.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sita

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majapahit_Empire

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