Negotiating Gender and Tradition: A Woman Dalang Performs Wayang Lemah in Bali

The dalang, the central figure of wayang kulit performances, is revered in Balinese society both as a teacher and spiritual leader. Until recently, the dalang was always male, but now women in Bali are able to train as dalang. A performance of wayang lemah given by woman dalang Ni Wayan Suratni provides insight into the complex relationships between gender and tradition in Bali.