Against a shimmering terrain of shadow and sand a contemporary ritual, inspired by ancient Java, is danced and sung.

Created across two countries – Australia and Indonesia – and offering powerful physical and internal states while balancing moral and spiritual aesthetics, Opal Vapour draws on ritual elements of Javanese Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry.

Invoking classical Javanese court-dance instilled with the mystical influence of Indonesian trance-possession ritual, Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal’s sinuous transformation is held by Ria Soemardjo’s pure voice and evocative score suggestive of Javanese gamelan. Performed in the moment, both artists are transported through time by Paula van Beek’s sublime lighting landscapes and haunting shadow play.