World class show in every respect!
I ordered my tickets through Klook which offered me a further discount in addition to the KITAS discount which was nice for my family of 5.
There were a total of 30 of us friends going including children and the ticket organizer was able to extend a seat upgrade for all of us and the ability to take photos with the performers after the show. We felt like total VIPs as this was only set out for us on our visit.
The theatre itself is grand and air conditioned adequately for the comfort and enjoyment of guests. Seats are wonderfully appointed no matter where you sit. We sat in Category A in the middle and that was ideal to see the entire stage as a whole. Performers even made their way up to us during the show to dance with the kids. All ticketing and theatre staff are beyond helpful and friendly.
There is no food or bev sold in the theatre but outside to the left we were told we could walk there and purchase from there at another establishment very close by. They did have free water in plastic disposable cups with straws at the ticket booth when you picked up your tickets though which was very welcomed as we made a long car ride with the kids in the car.
What was surprising to see was there was a long pool of water at the front of the stage used as part of the show! You'll have to watch to know. Elements of fire are also used.
There are 2 televisions on either side of the lower stage area to broadcast in English the various dances, costumes and other relevant information so even those who are not versed in Indonesia culture can instantly be in the know.
Costumes are fantastical, colourful and move with the flexibility of each performer. We were all fixated on the wonderment of the performers and the music. It is a 45 minute show and all kids ages 4-16 had their eyes glued to the stage. There were no lags between each scene.
We were given the opportunity as a group to check out behind stage with the props and performer area. This was quite the highlight for everyone.
As noted in some reviews, camera recordings and photos are not permitted during the show but toward the end, they do note on the television when it is allowed.
I would certainly take my family to see this show again as all the details just can't be caught with one show. Would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or living in Bali as this is a one of kind performance that you can...
Read moreDevdan: Treasure of the Archipelago is a captivating theatrical performance that debuted in 2013 at the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre. Directed by Eka Laksana, the show masterfully blends traditional Indonesian culture with modern stagecraft. The story follows two children who, bored during a Bali tour, discover a treasure chest containing artifacts representing different Indonesian islands. These artifacts transport them on a magical journey across the archipelago, showcasing diverse traditional dances, music, and customs through acrobatics, elaborate costumes, and special effects.
Performance and Design Critique Acting/Dancing: The actors delivered a stellar performance, excelling in synchronized dances and expressive body language. Their interactions felt natural, enhancing the storytelling.
Set Design: Nyoman Johan Aryana’s set design was functional and culturally authentic. Rapid scene transitions, aided by acrobatic "monkeys," kept the audience engaged. Each island’s representation was detailed, with props like a life-size ship for Kalimantan and traditional huts for Papua. However, the backscreen projections were sometimes too dim.
Lighting: Bastian Nurzaman’s lighting effectively complemented the mood of each scene, using colors like blue for rain and red for fire. Spotlights highlighted key characters, though some areas of the set were occasionally underlit.
Costumes: Dewa Ayu Ngurah Adnyani’s costumes were culturally accurate, flexible for quick changes, and allowed for dynamic movement. They effectively conveyed social hierarchies and regional identities, from simple warrior attire to elaborate god costumes.
Worth Seeing? The show is a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture, combining education and entertainment. The engaging performances, humor (especially from the monkeys), and seamless integration of acting, direction, and design make it a must-see. It appeals to all ages, offering a lively and immersive experience that may leave viewers with a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s rich heritage. Highly recommended for an...
Read moreThe Devdan show is highly recommended. The show combines dancing, singing, aerial acrobatics, lighting and special effects to display some of the history, customs and culture of the Indonesian people. The theatre is a beautiful venue. It is wheelchair accessible and air-conditioned, which was a welcome relief from the Bali tropical. The show runs about an hour and a half and the tour included transportation to and from the event. Flash photography and video taping is prohibited during the show. Pictures may be taken when the cast makes their final appearance. Make sure to print vouchers in advance and contact tour company 24-48 hours in advance to confirm transportation details. Upon arrival, redeem voucher at theatre box office for tickets to the show and obtain a return transportation card. The theatre is located next to the Bali Nusa Dua shopping center, an open-air mall that contains several shops, restaurants, money changer (currency exchange), ATM, convenience store and other businesses. Unfortunately, we did not have a lot of time to tour the mall prior to the show but were able to purchase some inexpensive souvenirs at the Coco Mart.The theatre opens at 7:15 pm and the show ended at 9:00 pm. Theatre staff take souvenir photos prior to show that can be reviewed and purchased after the show. The price for two photos in a Devdan Show binder was 220,000 rupiah (15.11 USD). The show was very enjoyable and we would see it again if we travel...
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