Watch & Listen | Asia Society presents A Conversation with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X + Traditional Javanese Performance Arts

A Conversation with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X

Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region

NEW YORK, November 11, 2018 — Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region in Indonesia discusses the history and living culture of Javanese court performance with Rachel Cooper, director of global performing arts and cultural initiatives at Asia Society. The conversation took place on the occasion of the sultan's visit to New York and was followed by a special performance at Asia Society.

Bedhaya: The Epitome of Javanese Dance

NEW YORK, November 11, 2018 — In conjunction with a visit by Hamengkubuwono X, the Sultan of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, the musicians and dancers of the court perform traditional dances at Asia Society New York. In the second half of the program, nine female dancers performed bedhaya, the classical dance replete with Javanese symbols and philosophies. Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi, performed here, is a dance that expresses the will of a king. The creation of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Bedhaya Sang Amurwabhumi marks the arrival of a new king and commemorates the legacy of his father, the previous Sultan Hamengkuwubono IX.

Dancers: Tri Indriastuti; Satwika Rahapsar; GKR. Mangkubumi; GKR. Hayu; Raras Lukitaningrum; Keshari Adiarastri Piloessulka; Nyi RW. Artyandariretnamataya; Nyi MJ. Rahmayanilalitamataya; Nyi RJ. Widyadinghyaumataya

Music and Dance of Yogyakarta:
Mask and Puppet Dances

NEW YORK, November 11, 2018 — In conjunction with a visit from Hamengkubuwono X, the Sultan of Yogyakarta in Indonesia, musicians and dancers from the sultan's court perform traditional dances at Asia Society New York. The first part of the program included golek menak, a dance inspired by stick-puppet theater (wayang golek) popular in rural areas of Yogyakarta, and wayang wong ("mask dance fragment"), a ritual affirmation of the power of the court first created by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I.

In order of appearance: Golek Menak Umarmaya Umarmadi dancers: KRT. Condrowasesa; KMT. Suryawasesa Masked Dance Fragment (Wayang Wong) "Klana Sewandana Gandrung" dancers: RA Putria Retna Pudyastuti; RJ Widadasilamataya; RRy Surya Amiluhur; RJ Alisasmintaprabamataya

For more information, please download the following PDF courtesy of Asia Society.