Cry Jailolo at Esplanade Theatre Studio

Travelling from central Java to the small, coastal town of Jailolo, Indonesian dancer-choreographer Eko Supriyanto began a long journey of discovery and dialogue between himself and the community of this quiet marine haven. Faced with the brute force of modernisation, he discovered that the coral reefs in the oceans of Teluk Jailolo face impending destruction by violent dynamite fishing practices.

Working with seven young men from Jailolo, Supriyanto created a powerful moving dance that gives a voice to this situation and the remote coastal community. As the dancers sweep the stage with the rhythmic beats of their bare feet tapping on the stage floor, Supriyanto paints a mesmerising image of hope for the fish to return once again to the reefs, and for the peace of the ocean to be eventually restored to its magnificent beauty.

The intensity and solidarity of these young men examines the relationship between the individual and the collective while illuminating Supriyanto’s nuanced choreography. A seamless melding of traditional dance from the Jailolo region, with contemporary impulses, Cry Jailolo is a hypnotic dance work that is as compelling as it is graceful.