Kecak Ramayana qnd Fire Dance

Last night we went to the oldest temple in this part of Bali for the Hindu Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance. Our guide was from the lodge, Nyoman, a very sweet young woman. There are many dances in Bali, but this one is spectacular. If you do not have appropriate attire for the temple, you are handed a sarong, and/or a sash. You are also warned on a sign to take off your glasses, hats, earrings, and watch that the monkeys don't take anything from you. Many people bring them rp,beron, their favorite fruit. First, we toured the temple, which dates from the 17^th century. It is on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, and took pictures of the always present monkeys. Then, we went to the amphitheater where the dance and play take place. Just as the sun is setting, comes the lighting of the ceremonial torches and Hindu prayers by a temple priest. The dance is started with the entrance of fifty chanting and singing men, clad in sarongs and sashes. The name of the dance, Kecak, comes from the chanting sound made by the men. They chant, dance and sing for the entire hour as the drama is acted out on the stage. The story is of the god, Rama, his wife, Sita, the evil god, Rhawana, and the triumph of good over evil. The costumes are beautiful and elaborate, the women dancing in graceful, Balinese style, with beautiful hand movements. There were two comic relief characters. One  a big white monkey, who also is Rama’s emissary to tell Sita that Rama is trying to save her. He jumped from level to level in the bleachers, and did the usual monkey activities, checking visitors heads, scratching themselves, and being very silly. The climax of the drama was the fire dance in which the evil men try to burn the white monkey, Hanoman, to death, but he escapes. In the end, Sita is rescued, and good triumphs. Our guide tells us that the right to be a Kecak chanter comes down through families, and is very special.