Performing arts in postmodern Bali

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This collection of articles explores the revival and modernization of various Balinese performing arts through a postmodern lens. Unique in over a decade, it features contributions from ethnomusicological experts across five continents. The development of Balinese performing arts has historically integrated both internal and external influences, leading to the emergence of new genres that sometimes replace older forms or inspire revivals of past traditions. Contributors examine how these traditions are continuously interpreted and reinterpreted, reflecting on what it means to be 'Balinese' in contemporary times. The volume includes diverse topics, such as the ecological approach to Balinese shadow play music, contemporary interpretations by dalang Made Sidia, and the impact of globalization on masked dance theatre. Other discussions focus on women's gamelans, cross-cultural influences in neo-traditional compositions, and the evolution of Balinese Arja from the 1990s to the 2010s. The authors also address revivalism in paired drumming, the balance between traditionalism and postmodernism in institutions like Çudamani, and the exploration of sound in modern Balinese music. Additionally, the ethical-aesthetics of influential artists and the intersection of Italian cinema with Balinese sound are examined, highlighting the complexities of authenticity in a globalized context.