Photo copyright 1999 GazelleKecak (pronounced: "KEH-chahk”) is a Balinese musical drama based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. Also known as the Ramayana Monkey Chant, the performance is awesome to watch. Performed by a circle of numerous performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, percussively chanting "cak" and throwing up their arms and swaying their bodies, it depicts a battle from the Ramayana where monkeys help Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. Nothing quite like having monkeys do your fighting for you…
See the excellent 1992 film Baraka for stunning visuals and sounds of a Kecak performance. I've heard a sequel to Baraka (titled Samsara) is due out next year.
1 comment:
Baraka, is stunning. I heard about the sequel. Not sure how or why they would try and top it but I suppose the world has changed since the original.
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