ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I share my personal experience of Topeng as a non-Balinese person. My exploration began with a fascination for traditional Balinese performances during my time as a student. The chapter's narrative is intentionally nonlinear, mirroring the multifaceted nature of learning. At the heart of this exploration are the conversations surrounding mask characterization and Balinese philosophical concepts about geographies, the elements, the body and sound. Through these dialogues, I reveal the perspectives of my teachers, providing readers with a glimpse of the relationship between Topeng and the wider discourse on Balinese culture.
