Calon Arang

Though it has many variations, this dance drama is essentially an act of exorcism againts leyak (witches). Calon arang combines acting, singing, comedy, tragedy, and classic theater, combined with elements of the wistful legong. It is backed by a full orchestra augmented with long bamboo flutes.

Only a few dalang are willing to perform the shadow puppet version as they fear consequences of inviting leyak to the show, a gesture that is deemed necessary. The perfect setting for this magic play is on the night of the full moon casting shadows on the temple roofs, palm trees, and on the clearing where the drama takes place.

The main character is Rangda who takes the form of an old widow, Calon Arang. Rangda is the bloody fanged Queen of the Underworld, whose power is an ever present danger. She claws at the air with dreadful, knife like finger nails, her voice alternating between a piteous mutter and a deep voiced, moaning growl. Her sawdust filled breasts sag, her pop eyes stare, her flame like tongue lolls wickedly beneath a row of sharp upper incisors, and a necklace of human entrails hangs around her neck. Brandishing a magic white cloth, she rushes at children in the audience, scattering them, and scowls at babies in mother arms.

Anthropologists see Rangda originally as a maternal figure, drama historians claim she is the personification of the witch par excellence, archaeologist contend that her origin is Shiva’s wife Durga in her evil aspect, historians claim she was the legendary Queen Mahendratta of King Airlangga’s 11^th century East Javanese kingdom.

Rangda is not an entirely unsympathetic, evil figure, as she serves a very critical role protecting village temples from demons and help recycle dead bodies into the Cosmos so that the dead’s spirits can be reborn. People worship he ardently because she can protect them againts black magic. Margaret Mead saw Rangda as the dark side of the Balinese female archetype, the supple and alluring young dancing girl metamorphosed into the horrific, angry old witch.

Calon Arang is a story of revenge and penitence. Long ago in the days of great King Airlangga, an old widow, Calon Arang, lived in the jungle with her beautiful daughter, Ratna Menggali. Calon Arang wanted her daughter to marry a prince from Airlangga’s court, but despite her beauty, no prince came. Becoming very angry, Calon Arang made offerings to Durga and learned the art of black magic. She sent Celuluk, the perfect manifestation of evil, to lay waste to the land and destroy the kingdom.

When Airlangga heard of the widespread epidemics and destruction, he beseeched his high priest. Mpu Baradah, to step in. The priest sent his son, Bahula, to ask for the hand of Ratna Menggali. This so pleased Calon Arang that she cured all the sick and brought the dead back to life. The plagues subsided.

But one day Calon Arang’s son in law found a lontar book of Calon Arang’s black magic. These he conveyed to his father, who deciphered its secret formulas. When Calon Arang discovered Mpu Baradah had learned her source of power, she became enraged and declrared war upon him. Mpu Baradah was then forced to do battle with Calon Arang (Rangda). The eerie witch appears on stage amidst bloodcurdling curses and descends howling and shrieking upon the priest.

In defense, Mpu Baradah unleashes a spell and vanquishes Calon Arang. Before she dies, Calon Arang asks forgiveness. Mpu Baradah absolves her deeds and she is allowed to enter heaven. However, the lesson is not lost to the Balinese. By dramatizing Rangda’s powers, it’s hoped that good favor will be gained with the ever present witch, her appetite for destruction placated.