Tianzhuo Chen / Siko Setyanto: Ocean Cage

The call “Baleo! Baleo!” is heard on the coast of the Indonesian village of Lamalera when the fishermen have spotted a whale. For the villagers, the centuries-old cry means that the ancestors will show themselves with the appearance of the whale and bestow their blessing on the village. “Ocean Cage” is inspired by the stories of the Lamalera inhabitants and focuses on questions of solidarity, economic coexistence and disappearing ecosystems. Through dance, film and music, director and visual artist Tianzhuo Chen creates an immersive and visually powerful maelstrom in which the dancer Siko Setyanto becomes the central protagonist. Together with the musicians Kadapat and Nova Ruth, a mix is created that oscillates between belief in progress and tradition, spirituality and technology.