LeineRoebana - The Netherlands

Encounter: same but different. An unconventional dialogue between music and dance from Indonesia and the Netherlands.

In Ghost Track opposites meet: Europe and Indonesia, contemporary and traditional, music and dance. These elements influence one another: they magnify the differences or melt together into something new. Do not expect a clear-cut rendition by LeineRoebana of Indonesian tradition set against Western modernity: Ghost Track came into being out of a mutual curiosity, seriously challenging any prejudices.

The initial idea for Ghost Track started with Indonesian music. The sonorous sound of the gamelan was an inspiration for choreographers Andrea Leine and Harijono Roebana, who are always searching for unusual music. The composer Iwan Gunawan strips this sonorous sound of the solemnity and exaltation with which the gamelan is so often associated. Instead, we find exuberant and exciting rhythms and ear-meandering harmonies form the Sundanese culture. The choreographers recognized a kindred spirit in Iwan Gunawan: someone who acknowledges the past and, at the same time, has an indomitable urge to experiment. Iwan’s knowledge of traditional Indonesian - and particularly Sundanese - culture is matched by his knowledge of contemporary Western music. Contemporary techniques of composition and the use of live electronics are an everyday part of his repertoire. The set of instruments includes voice, bamboo instruments, stringed instruments like the rebab, and the kendhang, a percussion instrument. A key element in his music are additive and subtractive rhythmic sequences, similar to those used by minimalist composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich. In Ghost Track, Iwan will play live with his gamelan ensemble, Kyai Fatahillah.

The collaboration between the experienced and skilful dancers from Indonesia and the Netherlands began in 2009 through workshops, rehearsals and performances. What is the difference between the knowledge that is stored in the bodies of the European and the Indonesian dancers? Dancers speak through movement. Do their respective training and cultural background create an essential difference? Is it only a different ‘dialect’ of movement or does the embodiment of a different worldview come under scrutiny? Unexpected similarities and differences came to light during the joint preparation - Indonesian tradition feels very contemporary to the West; Western modernism is easily absorbed by Indonesian tradition. 

Same but different: Ghost Track is an exploration of one another and hence of ourselves and our own traditions. 

LeineRoebana dance company, led by choreographers Andrea Leine and Harijono Roebana, has been holding an important position in the Dutch and international dance scene for the past 25 years. They see Dance as a meeting place for artists, performers and audiences from anywhere in the world. LeineRoebana’s new approach to symmetry, rhythm and composition enabled them to develop a unique dance idiom, in which the interplay of dance and music plays a central role. The ensemble has won awards in its homeland and internationally, and has performed in Europe, the United States, Canada, Russia, Tanzania, Singapore and Indonesia.

Choreography: Andrea Leine and Harijono Roebana in collaboration with the dancers
Composition and musical direction: Iwan Gunawan
Music: Kyai Fatahillah Gamelan Ensemble with Iwan Gunawan, Hikmat Puji Nursapar, Dedi Supriadi, Agus Zubaedi Kahar, Elang Rahayu, Langen Paran Dumadi, Restu Ahmad Fauji
Dance: Heather Ware, Tim Persent, Uri Eugenio, Luana van Eekeren, Agus Margiyanto, Sandhidea Cahyo Narpati, Boby Ari Setiawan, Audrey Apers, Camilla Bundel
Stage design: Ascon de Nijs
Lighting design: Paul van Laak
Costumes: Marjon Leek, Mariëtte Buiting

Tickets: €5 | € 20 for all performances (valid both for Limassol and Nicosia)
Free admission for pupils, students, soldiers, pensioners & dance professionals

Free Transportation from Nicosia to Limassol
Departure from the Cyprus Handicraft Centre (Athalassas Av.)
Departure Time: 19:15 | Information: 99 61 82 25

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Click here for the website of LEINEROEBANA