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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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