Renowned Indonesian dancer and choreographer, Rianto connects to a rich traditional past to inform the present. In HIJRA’H, he explores the history and culture of the Indonesian island Sulawesi. In the island’s people and history he uncovers gender expression in dance forms dating back to pre-Islam animism, where transgender spiritual figures were greatly valued.

With acclaimed filmmaker Garin Nugroho, collaborator and vocalist Cahwati Sugiarto and Sulawesi performance maker Abdi Karya, they mine the rich seam between traditional and contemporary culture, and between male and female.

Combining dance, music and film, their onstage ritual reveals gender fluidity is not just a contemporary phenomenon, but in fact an important and respected role in Indonesian culture now under threat by conservative religious politics.

POST SHOW Q&A WITH RIANTO—THU 9 JUNE
In conversation with Jala Adolphus, Rianto shares insights into his process, relationship to “Hijra’h” and the personal journey of considering his body as a library. Attendance is free.