Discovering Bali's Arts and Culture

I have always wondered why in old recordings of Balinese gamelan music you can usually hear the chatter of young children in the background.

Now, having seen a traditional ceremony myself, I understand why. Children are sat right in front of the stage on the floor while plastic chairs are set up behind for the adult audience. 

The children make the performance more lively with their reactions. When the naughty monkey comes on stage the children shriek and flee in terror hiding in the arms of their mother if she is nearby. 

Adults, who have seen the performance many times, as such ceremonies are a ubiquitous part of life, do not express as many emotions as I or the children did. 

And I hope to watch each performance as if it was my first time. 

13/9/2025