A History of Collaboration

Balimodule developed over many years as a product of the partnership between the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI Denpasar) and East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, England. Professor Leon Rubin from East 15 and Professor Nyoman Sedana from ISI Denpasar founded Balimodule to introduce International MA/MFA Directing students from East 15 to the performing arts and culture of Bali. The 4-week program takes place annually in Bali. In recent years the module also has included International MA/MFA Acting students from East 15, often twice a year. The module focuses on various genres and styles of performance with a strong emphasis on practical skills, giving additional importance to seminars and discussions about Balinese religious, philosophical and aesthetic traditions.

Extending collaboration with the Good Vibrations, the Balimodule developed a rehabilitative process with the multicultural prison inmates in Krobokan Denpasar. 22 women and 18 men trained for three months and performed Puspanjali and Cendrawasih dance for the Indonesian Independent Day Celebration in the prison on August 17, 2013.

Connecting International Students to Balinese Arts and Culture 

​ Since its founding, Balimodule has become an indispensable foundation for international scholars, artist, and communities who seek a greater understanding of Balinese arts and performance. Along with the academic and social discussions integrated into the module, the training and interaction with locals provide unique inroads for experiencing the rich tradition of Balinese performance culture, as well as understanding more recent developments born from contemporary cultural tourism.

The international students also collaborate with local students from ISI Denpasar or village artists in special projects that explore traditional as well as hybrid and experimental approaches to contemporary performance.
​

Meet the Director 

I Nyoman Sedana, PhD
Director of Balimodule & Professor at ISI Denpasar

Sedana is one of three active professors of performing arts at ISI Denpasar in Bali. He received his MA from Brown University and my PhD from the University of Georgia. Sedana has published dozens of international publications including articles in the Asian Theatre Journal and co-authoring Performance in Bali (2007).