Indonesian Mask, Dance, and Puppet Workshop:
The Monkeys, Kings, Ogres, Queens, and Princes of the Ramayana
November 5, 2012 6:00pm
Buster's Special Events Room 

Physical Theater and Character Study Using the Masks and Character Types of the Ramayana

Performing artist Tikka Sears will lead students through the dance and movements styles of five major character types of the Ramayana epic. Students will explore movement, masks, character and vocal qualities of each of the principal characters. Focus is on experiential learning of oral traditions, dramatic forms, storytelling, vocabularies, and concepts. Artist brings artifacts, puppets, fabric, and audiovisual material to immerse students in the Indonesian arts traditions, culture, and history that surround these living stories.

Tikka Sears has been studying, performing and teaching Indonesian arts for 15 years and weaves mask, dance, and puppetry traditions into her current theater work. She lived in Indonesia for over 6 years and was the recipient of a two year Fulbright Artist Grant to collaborate and study with contemporary and traditional Indonesian theater artists. Sears is Outreach Coordinator for the Southeast Asia Center at the University of Washington's Jackson School of International studies where she presents and organizes workshops, lectures and resources on the arts and cultures of Southeast Asia. Sears is also an ensemble member in ACT's production of the Ramayana and has worked with the Ramayana affiliate artist working group for the last year and a half.