ABSTRACT
Topeng is the performance form in Bali that most strongly demonstrates the acting and performance skills within both stylised and realistic acting styles from an individual actor/dancer. From the training to the rich and complex performance itself, technique is strongly emphasised in movement, gesture, use of mask, characterisation, structured improvisation and use of humour. Topeng Pajegan, the one-man form of Topeng, is a full demonstration of the virtuoso performer at work, as a single male actor/dancer moves between traditionally structured limits and boundaries on the one hand and improvisation on the other. Throughout the performance he must act, sing, narrate and transform himself from one character to another with masks. He must also deal with an interesting actor-audience relationship as he subtly blends a serious ceremonial function with entertainment involving jokes and topical references.
