Seven bedaya dancers raised their arms and lifted pistols into the air. Behind them dozens of dancing princesses advanced with bows and arrows. This scene of the women's legion lead by their commander, Matah Ati attacking the colonial army, was nearing its climax.

Suddenly flames leaped toward the front from a ditch or small pond in the middle of the stage. For almost two minutes the flames were leaping up joining the battle scene of the Dutch tro