Performance and Artist Talk: Panjat Hujan - Climbing the Rain

Translating to "Climbing the Rain," Panjat Hujan embodies the absence of the word "impossible" from the language of indigenous Bugis people of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Exploring symbolic rituals that refract time and space, this multicultural collaboration draws from practice of a different era still relevant today, bridging shamanistic tradition and contemporary dance.

This experiment unfolds in a sanctified space, guided by hidden grids that connect the living world with the abstract. Invoking a state of trance, sensation arrive in a spectrum, from intense to imperceptible. In the struggle to survive, are we strong enough to be gentle? 

The Panjat Hujan performance will be followed by an artist talk and panel discussion led by the collaborating artists and academics from the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne and the Herb Feith Indonesia Engagement Centre at Monash University.

...the spirit through the body leading to a 'trans-lumination'...the body vanishes , burns and the spectator sees only a series of visible impulses. - Jerry Grotowski

Performers

Tony Yap  Director/dancer/choreographer Malaysian-born dancer and choreographer known for his trance-based performance style blending Asian shamanistic traditions and contemporary dance. He’s the founding director of MAP Fest and a recipient of multiple awards and fellowships, including a Green Room Award and an Australia Council Dance Fellowship.

Jack Riley Dancer Melbourne-based dancer with a background in rock climbing and martial arts. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, he has created independent dance works, performed internationally, and starred in award-winning short films. Jack now collaborates with Tony Yap, exploring the edges of movement and performance.

Reuben Lewis Trumpeter/composer An award-winning trumpeter, composer, and producer known for his genre-defying electro-acoustic sound. He leads the ensemble I Hold the Lion’s Paw and creates innovative works that blend jazz, improvisation, and live processing. Recent projects include Lost in Place at Mona Foma and Imagination Exploration with Musica Viva.

Cultural Collaborators

Rejeky Kene

Photographer/Videographer

Rejeky Kene is a lens-based visual artist based in Makassar. She focuses on the relationship between humans and non-humans in the modern world and self-publishing. Rejeke explores issues from everyday life, especially affecting vulnerable living things. Her photobook includes Onward (2023) and It Was Raining Outside (2024). 

Artist Talk and Panel Discussions

• Tony Yap
• Rejeky Kene
• Dr Monika Winarnita (FHEA) - Asia Institute, University of Melbourne
• Dr Sharyn Davies - Director Herb Feith Indonesia Engagement Centre at Monash University
• Facilitated by: Sabrina Alday - Asialink Arts and Culture

This project is seed-funded  and co-presented by Asialink at the University of Melbourne through the Regional // Regional program. Regional // Regional is supported by the Yulgibar Foundation, Circle 5 Foundation, and Konfir Kabo and Monica Lim. The Australian showcase is supported by The Playking Foundation. Temperance Hall and The Unconformity Festival are its commissioning partners.