Of Deities and Demons
“Conjuring the gods in a musical frenzy” – The Sydney Morning Herald
In a rapturous celebration of ancient Sri Lankan culture, Baliphonics and Australian Art Orchestra bring age-old rituals to life through traditional dance, chanting and music.
In a spectacle of dance, music and light, this unique group draws upon an astrological healing practice known as Bali Ritual, in which deities are invoked and demons exorcised.
On a recent trip to Sri Lanka, Peter Knight (Artistic Director, Australian Art Orchestra) formed a friendship with leader of Baliphonics, Sumudi Suraweera. This friendship formed the start of an exciting collaboration combining the yak bera (demon drum), clarinets and other traditional instrumentations with the signature experimental jazz stylings of Australian Art Orchestra.
“Building incrementally, the music literally swirled and eddied around us. As it reached a crescendo, Susantha leapt from the stage, as if possessed, and ran around the darkened auditorium, stopping at various points to ritually exorcise demons from the space.” – Des Cowley, Australian Jazz
Creative Team:
Sumudi Suraweera – composer, drummer and music producer
Susantha Rupathilaka – dance and voice
Prasanna Rupathilaka – dance, yak bera and voice
Reuben Derrick – clarinets
Peter Knight – trumpet and electronics
Reuben Lewis – trumpet and electronics
Carl Dewhurst – guitar
Mary Rapp – cello
