I Am Calonarang

Calonarang, also known as Matah Gede, is a Javanese-Balinese Witch who, for many centuries, has been seen as an evil woman that practices black magic, spreading diseases. In Bali, this character is is only performed by men, because as the dance master Mangku I Wayan Bawa once said “Balinese society is patriarchal and believes that women are not strong enough to hold this energy inside of them”.

 

In Allegra’s adaptation, Calonarang raises her voice and embodies her own story, demystifying witchcraft and black magic, embracing themes like violence against women and sustainability. “I Am Calonarang” is a ritual dance-theatre play, devised by East 15’s World Performance students and directed by Allegra Ceccarelli.