Hugely popular in places such as Bali, Java and Jakarta, Ramayana has its own interpretations. Now, in an attempt to take Ramayana to the larger audiences in Indonesia, the Hindu epic has finally entered the vocabulary of the historical Bali dance, Legong, traditionally performed by young girls. At the heart of this departure from the tradition is Ayu Bulan a dance troupe from Bali. Reframing the narratives of masculinity and challenging the patriarchal hegemony by retelling characters through feminist lens, the troupe members, which consist mostly Muslims, relate to the strength of Sita, imperfections of Ram and philosophy of the legend.
Source: News18