Rasinah: The Enchanted Mask 2004
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Shanty Harmayn
Directed by Rhoda Grauer
VHS, color, 57 min.
College - Adult
Art, Anthropology, Dance
Date Entered: 01/12/2006
Reviewed by Dawn Eckenrode, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Daniel A. Reed Library, State University of New York College at FredoniaThis documentary takes an ethnographic look into the life of Rasinah, a master of an ancient masked dance called Topeng Cirebon. Rooted in Islamic mysticism the dance originated in West Java, Indonesia. Its movements and spiritual significance were passed from generation to generation for centuries, only to fade in popularity due to the increasing globalization of Indonesian culture. Rasinah, and 11th generation dancer, is one of the few expert Topeng artists remaining.
In the early 1990s Rasinah was sought out by an ethnomusicologist and a dance scholar who were interested in learning more about this dying art form. Rasinah had not danced for twenty years, and they found her living in squalid, impoverished conditions in a remote village. With the promise of restoring her home and the construction of a rehearsal space, the scholars convinced Rasinah to return to dancing at the age of 72.
This film captures the precise and subtle movements of Rasinah as she performs the dance at various cultural events. Interviews with Rasinah are interspersed throughout the documentary, which provide insights into her personality and the events that shaped her life. Additionally, interviews with scholars, Topeng artists, local characters, and Rasinah’s granddaughter help round out the viewers’ understanding of the meaning ascribed to this intriguing dance.
Overall, the film is well-edited and the sound quality of the live Topeng music accompanying the dance performances is excellent. This program is most suitable for academic programs in cultural anthropology and southeast Asian dance. English subtitles are provided.