Every January, Sydney Festival enlivens and transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration based on the highest quality art and big ideas. The program is kaleidoscopic in its diversity, from burlesque, cheeky cabaret and Canadian circus, to high energy jazz, indie rock and Russian theatre; from contemporary dance to family programs to traditional Indigenous arts practice. This year, the festival proposes us a powerful new contemporary dance from Indonesia by renowned choreographer Eko Supriyanto with Balabala.

In the world premiere season of the sister work to Cry Jailolo, Eko Supriyanto‘s Balabala sees youth from Eastern Indonesia finding a powerful contemporary voice through movement. Hierarchies of culture and gender collapse before the might of this ensemble, with a hypnotic physical vocabulary tapping into the philosophy of the nine directions taught under the martial art of Pencak Silat. Five young female dancers from Jailolo give voice to the remote community of Eastern Indonesia. Slow, rhythmic movement patterns create an image of strength, not in protest nor opposition but through the carving of space. Space for the individual amidst the noise of duties. A space of potential, of creation – held by the women of remote regions. Poised at the brink of adulthood, they channel their energy with an intense focus building an irresistible momentum. The stirring image they produce is one of strength, commanding a space for the individual amid the crowded noise of duties – to family, to community, to the past. This is a space of potential, of creation, of now.

Once again joined by renowned choreographer Arco Renz, Supriyanto’s Balabala is both a tribute to the history of women in the region and the multiple roles they play in modern Indonesia.  This stirring piece explores the diverse roles women play in the country’s society. With choreography inspired by traditional Indonesian martial arts, and performed by five young female dancers from the remote coastal town of Jailolo, Balabala will pull at your heartstrings and challenge your perceptions.

Founder and artistic director for EkosDance Company and Solo Dance Studio in Surakarta Indonesia, Eko Supriyanto is the leading Indonesian dancer and choreographer of his generation. Trained in Javanese court dances and the Indonesian martial arts of Pencak Silat since the age of seven, Supriyanto’s performance career spans major works and tours throughout Indonesia, Europe, America and the Asia Pacific. Sydneysiders will finally have the chance to discover his work during the Sydney Festival with Balabala .

What? Balabala by Eko Supriyanto

When? From the 7th to 10th January 2017

Where? Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015

To find out more CLICK HERE.