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Acknowledgments

Like any theater production, this research and the final written product resulted from the help and advice of many generous people. I especially wish to thank William F. Condee, who fostered my love of Balinese wayang kulit. He challenged me to use performance in my study and scholarship, which has provided insight and guidance through every step of this journey. I also thank Ed Menta for introducing me to Asian performance and challenging me to find connections between that and my interest in feminist theater and gender studies. This book is my response to that challenge.

I am grateful for wonderful colleagues at the University of Kentucky, Indiana University, and among the membership of the Association for Asian Performance (AAP). Andrew Kimbrough provided insightful comments on many versions of several chapters. Kathy Foley and the others at the AAP have given me invaluable advice and friendship. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful community of scholars and artists who share my love of Asian performance. I heartily thank the reviewers of this manuscript for their thoughtful comments and the guidance of Gillian Berchowitz and Elizabeth Collins at Ohio University Press. Finally, I am so grateful for the supportive environment and wonderful colleagues at Indiana University in the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, the Mathers Museum of World Cultures, and the Center for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Studies.

I spent many months in Bali over a period of several years, developing the ideas and research that are contained in these pages. Such prolonged study would not be possible without generous financial support from many sources. The Graduate Student Senate of Ohio University awarded me a Research and Creative Activities grant, which partially funded my first trip to Bali. A Student Enhancement Award, also from Ohio University, gave me a second summer in Bali to study Balinese language and secure my research contacts. That trip was Gene Amaral’s idea and I am grateful for his support. I then spent ten months in Bali, from December 2008 until October 2009, on a Fulbright Fellowship to Indonesia, which is an amazing program for cultural exchange and research. Elizabeth Clodfelter was instrumental in helping me with the application process. Finally, funding from the University of Kentucky and a Mellon Innovating International Research, Teaching, and Collaboration award from Indiana University allowed additional time in Indonesia.

I can’t begin to express adequate thanks for my many friends, “family,” and informants in Bali. The group Çudamani and Emiko Susilo introduced me to Balinese performing arts and culture. I Nyoman Sedana supported my application for the Fulbright, provided assistance along the way, and was the initial force behind my opportunity to perform at the Ubud Festival. I am extremely thankful for his wonderful advice and insight. Ni Made Murniati (called Kadek in this book) took me in as family, tirelessly led me around Bali, and answered my many questions. She and her family took care of me when I was sick or lonely and were the ones present to celebrate my successes. I am a better person for knowing her, her husband, and her children. At the arts university in Bali, Anak Agung Ayu Kusuma Arini served as my research counterpart and was extremely generous with her time and energy. I enjoyed watching her teach gambuh at the university, and I was honored to dance at a celebration at her house. I am indebted to the many other dalang, dancers, artists, and friends—too many to name—who influenced and helped me with my research. I must thank I Wayan Tunjung, my puppet teacher and dear friend. He and his family will always be close to my heart; words cannot express enough gratitude for all you have done for me. Matur suksema.

Finally, I thank my family for always believing in me. My father and mother spent countless hours driving me to rehearsals and performances; those hours are the foundation of my love for theater. My sister Kim has always been a great friend and confidant. She along with her husband, Dino, and children, Cooper and Natalie, fill my life with many riches. And finally, I want to acknowledge my partner, wife, and best friend, Tina. Thank you for sharing this adventure with me.