he dialogue of the Arja consists of songs, so this dance-drama is the Balinese dance-opera. Arja is a very popular performance in Bali. In the past, it used to be performed by men only, although the main character is the princess. Nowadays, Arja dance-opera is performed by women, except the clowns who are played by men.
Arja dance-drama developed around 1880 and its tragic themes basically are derived from the classical romances of the kingdoms of East Java-Kediri, Singasari and Majapahit. Although Arja dance-drama is a favorite among the villagers, it is difficult to follow for those who cannot understand the clowns' translations.
Arja dance-opera is filled with sentimentality and melodrama. Like so many great love stories, there is always some tragic issue at stake between two lovers such as their families prohibit the marriage, a jealous rival makes war on the hero, the princess is captured, the hero falls in love with another woman while under a magic spell. There are always long scenes of painful misery. After endless episodes of intrigue and misfortune, the lovers are at