Masks Tell:
Let Your Story Speak
Javanese Mask-Making and Dance Workshop in Indonesia
6-16/1/2025

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Theatre Ash, in collaboration with renowned Javanese choreographer Agung Gunawan and national master mask maker Ki Pono Wiguno, will host a mask and dance workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from January 6 to January 16, 2025. Rooted in traditional Javanese art, these two internationally acclaimed artists will guide participants through an in-depth exploration of the connection between masks and the body. Starting with designing and crafting wooden masks, followed by physical and dance training, participants will create their own dance pieces, culminating in a public presentation to showcase their work. This workshop is a culturally rich, inspirational journey—a profound experience that melds tradition and contemporary expression.

The workshop will conclude with each participant presenting their creations.

Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Date: January 6 - January 16, 2025
Price: Early Bird 860 USD / 817 EUR

(until December 1, 2024)

Standard Price 900 USD / 855 EUR
Capacity: Limited to 12 participants

Registration Deadline: December 28, 2024

Instructors Profile

Ki Pono Wiguno

Director of Performing Arts at the Sultan's Palace in Indonesia

Ki Pono Wiguno is a leading authority in Javanese mask-making and serves as the Artistic Director of Performing Arts at the Sultan's Palace. Coming from a family with five generations of mask-making tradition, his grandfather’s works are treasured in various museums across Europe and the United States. Ki Pono has studied mask-making and traditional dance since childhood, and he shares his expertise not only in Indonesia but also through workshops in Taiwan, Japan, and beyond, bringing the essence of Javanese mask-making to an international audience. In addition to creating Javanese masks, Ki Pono is actively involved in cross-cultural collaborations. For example, he has designed and crafted masks for Japanese Noh theater, expanding his understanding of mask art across cultural boundaries. In 2019, he collaborated with choreographer Ali Ahsan on the contemporary dance piece *From the Carving*, as part of the "Asia Pacific Dance Platform" at the 47th Hong Kong Arts Festival, blending Javanese tradition with modern elements to create a profound artistic experience for audiences.

Agung Gunawan

Indonesian choreographer

Agung Gunawan is the founder and artistic director of the Agung Dancing Center, showcasing his versatile artistic abilities in dance, choreography, vocal performance, and curation. As a dancer, Agung’s artistic development was profoundly influenced by the mentorship of Indonesia’s late dance masters. Notable figures such as RM Ywandjono and R. Aj. Sri Kadarjati, experts in Javanese court and mask dance, provided him with a strong foundation in traditional Javanese dance. He was later further shaped by pioneering choreographers like Bagong Kussudiardja and Martinus Miroto, members of Indonesia’s first generation to fuse traditional elements with modern dance; notably, Miroto was also a dancer with Pina Bausch. Agung has since developed his own distinctive style, earning numerous national awards and honors for his contributions. He is frequently active in international collaborations, performances, and exchange programs, constantly studying and enhancing his craft across diverse fields. His work has taken him to places as far as Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Turkey, Shanghai, Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, and beyond. Since 2005, Agung has worked as an independent artist, returning to his hometown of Klaten in Central Java, where he continues to explore the boundaries between traditional and contemporary Javanese art. By blending the innovation and expressive freedom of modern dance with the depth of traditional Javanese movement, Agung has crafted a unique performance style. In this workshop, he will guide participants to deeply understand the connection between masks and dance, helping them tell personal stories through movement and form.

Workshop Details

Phase One: Mask Making (January 6 - January 11)

Location: Ki Pono Wiguno Mask Workshop, Yogyakarta
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Under the personal guidance of Ki Pono Wiguno, participants will design and craft their own wooden masks, learning essential mask-making techniques. The workshop begins with an introduction to traditional mask culture, where the instructor will share the cultural significance and historical background of Javanese masks, helping participants understand the origins and inspiration behind their creations. Notably, renowned choreographer Agung Gunawan will also be present, offering creative guidance to help participants infuse personal emotion into their mask designs. English and Chinese translation will be available throughout the course.

This phase includes:

Traditional Mask Culture: Explore the importance and historical context of masks in Javanese culture to inspire the creative process.
Mask Design Conceptualization: Participants will design masks based on personal stories or emotions.
Wood Carving Techniques: Learn the basics of wood carving and sculpting to shape the initial form of the mask.

Phase Two: Dance and Movement Training (January 12 - January 14)

Location: Agung Dancing Center, near Prambanan Temple
Time: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

n the second phase, Agung Gunawan will lead participants through his unique dance philosophy, which integrates Javanese court dance and contemporary movement. His system, rooted in "Breathing, Listening, Feeling, Floating," helps performers achieve a neutral state of body and mind, enabling deeper exploration of roles and heightened spatial awareness.

Workshop Highlights:

Core Concepts of Javanese Court Dance: Experience the principles of Sawiji (focus), Greget (intensity), Sengguh (confidence), and Ora Mingkuh (resilience).
Agung’s Creative Philosophy: Transition into expressive states beyond rational understanding through role shifts and fluid movements.
Integration of Masks and Dance: Fuse the physicality of dance with the expressive depth of masks to create unique personal performances.

Agung will guide you in exploring the dynamic interplay between masks and movement, transforming these interactions into the foundation of your creative stage work.

Ki Pono Wiguno will also be present to provide insights, helping participants deepen the connection between masks and character portrayal. English and Chinese translation will be available throughout the course.

This phase includes:

Movement and Mask Training (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Practice controlling body movement while wearing masks to explore expressive potential.
Dinner Break (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): A group dinner at Agung Dancing Center, with meal costs included in the workshop fee.
Personal Creation Exploration (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Participants will engage in individual creative exercises, using masks and movement to develop short personal pieces.

*Photo Credit : STUDIOMOBE

Phase Three: Public Showcase and Conclusion（January 15)

Participants will present their creations, showcasing the fusion of masks and dance in a public performance.

This phase includes:

Rehearsal: Pre-performance rehearsal and adjustments, with instructor guidance as needed.
Public Showcase: Each participant will present their individual work in an outdoor or indoor setting.
Reflection and Conclusion: Instructors and participants will gather to summarize learning outcomes and share insights from the creative journey.

Workshop Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change, with final adjustments made by the instructors and Theatre Ash.

Workshop Locations

Phase One: Ki Pono Wiguno Mask Workshop, near Yogyakarta city center
Phase Two: Agung Dancing Center, near Prambanan Temple

Transportation Arrangements

January 6 - January 11: Daily transportation arranged at 9:30 AM from Tulips Hotel to Ki Pono Wiguno Mask Workshop
January 12: 3:00 PM transportation from Yogyakarta city center to Agung Dancing Center
January 16: Transportation arranged from Agung Dancing Center to Yogyakarta city center after the workshop concludes

Detailed Workshop Schedule

Phase One: Mask Making (Ki Pono Wiguno Mask Workshop)

January 6 - January 11

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Note: Daily transportation arranged at 9:30 AM from Tulips Hotel

Phase Two: Movement and Dance (Agung Dancing Center)

January 12 (Transfer from Yogyakarta city center to Agung Dancing Center)

3:00pm

Gather at Tulips Hotel in Yogyakarta city center for departure to Agung Dancing Center (transportation arranged by Theatre Ash)

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Group dinner at Agung Dancing Center (included in the workshop fee)

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

First session of Movement and Mask Workshop

January 13 - January 15

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Movement and Mask Training

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Group dinner at Agung Dancing Center (included in the workshop fee)

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Personal Creation Exploration

Phase Three: Public Showcase

January 16

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Rehearsal and technical setup

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Showcase

*Note: The performance may take place indoors or outdoors.*

5:30 PM 至 6:00 PM

Conclusion and Reflection Session

8:00 PM

Return from Agung Dance Center to Yogyakarta City Center

Notes

Translation Services: English and Chinese translation will be available throughout the workshop sessions.
Transportation Services: Daily transportation arranged at 9:30 AM from Tulips Hotel to Ki Pono Wiguno Workshop from Jan 6 - Jan 11; Jan 12 transportation arranged at 3:00 PM from the city center to Agung Dancing Center; Jan 16 transportation arranged from Agung Dancing Center back to Yogyakarta city center.

Workshop Location

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta, located on the island of Java in Indonesia, is a city rich in culture and artistic charm, earning it the title of "City of Arts." With a deep historical background and abundant artistic traditions, Yogyakarta is not only home to the ancient sites of Borobudur and Prambanan but also a center where modern art and traditional culture thrive. The vibrant artistic atmosphere of Yogyakarta attracts artists and tourists from all over the world. The city is filled with various art workshops, galleries, and museums, showcasing a wide range of art forms from traditional to contemporary. Traditional Javanese mask carving, batik dyeing, and shadow puppetry are especially beloved and celebrated. As a hub of culture and creativity, Yogyakarta hosts numerous international art festivals and exhibitions each year, such as the biennial Pesta Boneka International Puppet Festival, drawing artists worldwide to exchange and display their works. In this dynamic artistic environment, our workshops offer unique learning and creative opportunities for you.

Organizer

Theatre Ash

Theatre Ash is committed to redefining contemporary theater by integrating European and Asian performance styles, creating, producing, and touring innovative international performances for the 21st century. With a focus on humanistic care, Theatre Ash aims to touch hearts and minds through its groundbreaking productions. In addition to its theater productions, Theatre Ash actively organizes workshops and cultural exchange programs between Europe and Asia. These initiatives are designed to foster cross-cultural collaboration, providing artists and participants with unique opportunities to learn from one another, share their artistic practices, and grow both personally and professionally.