Contemporary Balinese Performance

This final chapter, researched and written in 2024/2025, focuses on the changes and developments in performance culture over the past 20 years. There are a number of sections exploring key forms of performance, including innovations in puppetry, Balinese contemporary dance, music and use of technology. There are specific examples and photographs of new types of puppet creation and performance. In music there is a focus on the use of digital technology in relation mainly to gamelan composition. There are discussions concerning elements of technological innovation also within Wayang shadow puppet performances. In addition to the specific descriptions and case studies of the above forms, there are also observations about social and cultural changes that have impacted performance culture. The final section on new forms concerns the growing impact (some positive and others more complex) of commercial productions aimed mainly at the rapidly growing numbers of tourist visitors. Following the description and analysis of new work, there is a final section identifying likely trends over the coming years.