Barong Dance Performance

Sunda and Upasunda were twin Rakshasas (demons) who were inseparable and possessed extraordinary supernatural powers. They conquered the three realms, eventually disrupting the heavens. Brahma dispatched Tilottama to stop them. Captivated by her beauty, Sunda and Upasunda fought over her; the resulting battle led to both their deaths, thereby restoring the balance of the three realms.

OPENING The story of Sunda and Upasunda begins with the appearance of a Barong Keket (a mythological creature depicted as a lion with thick fur) living alongside a monkey in the dense forest. A group of people then arrives, causing a commotion and disturbing the tranquillity of the forest. They encounter the monkey, leading to a fierce fight between the three individuals and the monkey, who is aided by a deer. Ultimately, the monkey succeeds in wounding one of the intruders.

ACT ONE (SUNDA AND UPASUNDA) This act introduces Sunda and Upasunda, twin Rakshasas who are inseparable and possess immense power. Both harbour a grand ambition to rule the entire world. Driven by this desire, they undertake ascetic meditation to acquire supernatural abilities.

ACT TWO (ASCETIC MEDITATION AND BRAHMA'S BOON) Sunda and Upasunda performed penance on Mount Windhya. The intensity of their ascetic practice shook the three worlds, prompting Brahma to appear. They asked for an unrivalled weapon and immortality. Brahma refused to grant immortality, so they asked to be killable only by each other. This request was granted.

ACT THREE (CONQUEST OF THE THREE REALMS) Sunda and Upasunda perform ascetic meditation on Mount Windhya. The intensity of their meditation shakes the three realms, prompting Brahma to appear. They ask for an unrivaled weapon and immortality. Brahma refuses to grant immortality, so they request instead that they only be capable of being killed by one another. This request is granted. Armed with the supernatural powers they had acquired, Sunda and Upasunda returned and gathered an army. They began conquering the world, eventually disturbing the heavens and the gods. Their arrogance and ambition grew, disrupting the peace of the three realms.

ACT FOUR (TILOTTAMA AND THE RIVALRY) To stop Sunda and Upasunda, Brahma dispatched the celestial nymph Tilottama. Just as the two giants were celebrating their victories, Tilottama appeared in all her beauty. Both were captivated and began vying for her affection. Tilottama then incited a conflict between Sunda and Upasunda to determine who deserved to possess her.

ACT FIVE (BATTLE AND DESTRUCTION) Sunda and Upasunda finally turned against one another. The unity that had once been their strength gave way to bitter rivalry. A fierce battle ensued, culminating in them killing each other. With the deaths of Sunda and Upasunda, the chaos ended, and the balance of the three realms was restored.