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Devdan – Treasure of the Archipelago: a showcase of Indonesia’s cultural beauty

“Devdan – Treasure of the Archipelago” is not a drama, nor it is a musical. Devdan is defined by its creators as a modern & contemporary acrobatic and dance performance that is inspired by the culture of Indonesia. The 90-minute show is designed to be a showcase of several cultures from the archipelago and crafted in such a way to attract audiences across generations to get in touch with those cultures – in part to preserve the heritage. “Devdan” – from Sanskrit words “deva” (god) and “dana” (gift) – will take you on a wondrous journey, starting in Bali and going on to Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Papua. Bali Act showcases a celebration of harvest season, kite flying season, cremation ceremony, and the world-famous fire Kecak dance. Sumatra Act looms full-color bustling street market, performers dancing for the rain, and villagers weaving beautiful Songket fabrics. The transcendental relationship between human beings and the Creator is given highlight in the Saman dance, followed by the solo silk aerial acrobatics. Java Act takes you to an ancient township in the Central Java where a fight breaks among the warriors. The anxiety subsides as the fallen warrior is given a second chance and a royal princess with her band of chambermaids enters to restore peace and harmony. Borneo Act opens with two lovers in the depth of the forest expressing their youthful feelings against the gravity, and ends with a group of young Borneo maidens moving in lively spirit, luring the audience to dance along. Last but not least, Papua Act presents high-spirited villagers celebrating a hunting festival. The scene ends with percussive performance played skillfully by two male villagers, along with dazzling fire dance. In addition to the diversity and uniqueness of the traditional dances, costumes and music from around Indonesia, deliberately blended into the performance is contemporary music and “hip hop” dance, making the show highly dynamic and entertaining for audiences of all ages from around the world. This high-energy show is performed on a purpose built stage that is full of special effects including world-class lighting & sound, fire effects, superb aerial acrobatics, different types of smoke and fog and at one point it even rains inside the theatre. “Devdan – Treasure of the Archipelago” is featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s “Ten Things to Do with Kids in Bali” in January 2012, and also ranked No. 1 on Trip Advisor’s List of “Attractions in Nusa Dua.” “Devdan – Treasure of the Archipelago” is performed every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 07:00 pm at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre. Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is located in the heart of Nusa Dua, Bali’s most prestigious hospitality and entertainment area, just a short 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The theatre is fully air-conditioned with 700 comfortable seats. You can easily access Bali Nusa Dua Theatre by taxi or any other transportation recommended by your hotel concierge. A free shuttle bus is provided by Bali Collection, a shopping area next to the theatre, at several stops in Nusa Dua. Ticket price starts at US$65. For reservations, visit www.devdanshow.com Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is member of SAMABE LEISURE, a collection of resorts, spa, and theatre.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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