THE performance, Sakyamuni itu Saja (Perlu Mati) [Only Sakyamuni (Needs to Die)] takes off from a poem; it is enacted through poetry, mantra and the legong dance; and it ends in silence. “End. Dead. Dark. Light. A mute mantra. A gagged prayer. Sky and earth, too, are done.” The performers leave to the side of the stage, the light dims, and turns dark.

Cokorda Sawitri has presented a performance that is anomalous (which could point t