Indonesian and Singaporean artists explore women’s experiences and ancestral traditions through dance.
Indonesian choreographer and performer Ms Ayu Permata Sari and Singaporean dance artist Ms Hasyimah Harith were scheduled to present BATU at Esplanade Theatre Studio in Singapore from 16 to 18 October 2026. Commissioned by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and co-produced by Australia’s Performance Space, the 75-minute work examines women’s experiences, domestic rituals and ancestral knowledge through movement and voice.
Performances were scheduled for 8pm on Friday, 16 October, 5pm on Saturday, 17 October, and 3pm on Sunday, 18 October. The programme was presented under da:ns focus – Connect Asia Now (CAN), an Esplanade initiative featuring contemporary dance works created by or in collaboration with Asian artists.
Ms Sari, associated with Indonesia’s Ayu Permata Dance Project, and Ms Harith, linked to Singapore’s P7:1SMA dance company, examine the female body in domestic and ritual settings. Their choreography explores tradition, restraint, devotion, intimacy, shame, pleasure, sacrifice and healing, with the kitchen serving as a central setting.
The stone, or batu, anchors the performance’s exploration of inherited knowledge. Beyond its practical use in grinding ingredients, it represents a witness to family histories and a vessel for memories and practices transmitted through matrilineal lineage. The work considers how personal experiences and cultural customs become embedded in everyday life.
Development was supported by Esplanade’s Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency, with funding support from Singapore’s National Arts Council.
Following each performance, audiences could take part in Sampai Lumat (Until Finely Ground), a free, one-hour sambal-making activity facilitated by Sendok Rakyat. The community-led initiative uses Malay food to examine society, politics and identity through cooking and shared meals. Participants could learn to prepare sambal belachan with a traditional Malay pestle and mortar, with a vegetarian option available. Places were limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Standard admission was priced at S$32, with limited concession tickets for students, national servicemen, seniors and persons with disabilities. The event was restricted to audiences aged 18 and above.
Source: Esplanade
