ABSTRACT
Topeng performances are a necessary ingredient in many Balinese Hindu rituals. Despite their high entertainment value, these masked dramas are rich in Hindu philosophical meaning. In this essay, I explore some of these meanings from my own experience as both a Topeng performer and an uninitiated priest ( pemangku ). I pay close attention to the role of the Topeng actor as a conduit for conveying Hindu religious ideas to all those who partake in the drama.
