Jathilan: Trance and Possession in Java

Himself - Jathilan Performer:
When I hear the music, I start to feel something. My head feels dizzy, I break into a cold sweat and my hands shake. Just listening to the music I already feel a trance-state, I feel dizzy, and sometimes I feel something like a sharp pin in my head.

Himself - Jathilan Enthusiast:
During Suharto's New Order the arts were exploited for political ends. The performers were assisted on the condition, for instance, that they weren't allowed to wear red or green clothing. They had to wear yellow because that was the color of Suharto's party. Then Jathilan groups were forced to perform for tourists. They sterilized Jathilan. They forbid the eating of dangerous objects, and trance was abolished. This is an example of the government dominating and intervening in every aspect of people's lives. Finally, when Suharto fell from power, Reformasi began, and Jathilan changed again. In today's era, freedom has led to different forms of Jathilan.

Himself - Jathilan Enthusiast:
Artistically, the movements of Jathilan are really harsh and expressive. This was in contrast to the movements of the court dances, which are refined and organized. I see that as a form of resistance from the people. A resistance against the forms of the Royal Court. Because they couldn't do the same things as the aristocrats, they have their own artistic expression that is now called Jathilan.

Himself - Jathilan Performer:
After I become possessed, I don't remember anything. If my friends, wife, or child watches me, I wouldn't recognize them. I don't know what kind of spirit possessed me. I don't understand the magic or the power of the dance. People say I eat things but at the time I'm not aware of it. Only after I become conscious do I taste it's bitterness. When I eat something it feels good. But if I'm not possessed by a spirit, I certainly wouldn't want to eat incense or things like that!

Himself - Jathilan Performer:
I never experienced real trance myself. But when I performed Jathilan and pretended to be in trance, the audience saw it as a real trance. Actually I was pretending, I just made it up. Not everyone can experience trance.