Actor director Enrico Masseroli will be giving a lecture demonstration outlining the fundamental principles upon which the Balinese dance theatre is based, showing the basic steps, defining gestures and main postures of the masked characters of Topeng, a traditional and sacred masked dance-drama.

Topeng is a highly stylised and codified form of dance theatre, demanding a rigorous apprenticeship. The Topeng performer allows the vibrating energy of the keras/manis to manifest in and lead his drama.

It is this mastered energy, with its sudden shifts, contrasting shades and tastes, which give the drama its expression and dynamism.

The lecture demonstration, at the MITP theatre on 15 November from 7 to 8pm, will be followed by a two-hour workshop in the basic steps and principles of Topeng dance theatre.