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The Barong play at Taman Intaran, though not quite the simplest version, since it introduces three Rangda masks, illustrates as well as any other the nature of the dance and has a very clear interpretation, both popular and metaphysical.


After the Sandaran-Djaoek prelude the first witch mask enters, and approaches the Barong with light swift steps, then moves in wide circles to the middle of the stage and stands motionless in the mudra of meditation, her white cloth still covering her head (i.e. she is still invisible). This is Rarong, a pupil who has reached a fairly high degree of proficiency. We learn that she has come to the graveyard to acquire magic power in order to help the witch's work of destruction.
The Barong has smelled out Rarong, and advances cautiously towards her with stealthy noiseless steps, sniffing the air. He begins to clack his jaws and frightens her out of her meditation. He is so close that he seems almost to be gobbling her up as he pursues her round and round the stage, till at last she flings herself weeping before her mistress, who has now approached but stands with her back to the stage to show she is still invisible. For a moment he prances and snuffles over Rarong, then trots off at full speed to his own umbrellas. Rangda thereupon comes into action, and leaps round Rarong, her hairy arms clutching her head; rocking to and fro, and patting the kneeling Rarong continually on the head; a strange picture of two monsters in consultation. Rarong disappears.

Rangda's banners are turned about, crossed and lowered till their points touch the ground; she is flying to the graveyard. She advances, at first slowly and deviously, then running under her banners, her goggle eyes gleaming. The Barong advances and bites her out of her meditation. They wind and dance in intricate patterns. Another Rangda mask stands in the background during the fight; he is the Durga-Kala (Rangda Linssir, the Old One) and her magic power passes into the person of the fighting Rangda. In this second stage of transformation Rangda becomes Rangda Pemeteng, the Darkened, the Deep One.


 

 

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