POL Petrino
Nyantos Sabhe
“Upon stepping onto the island, an arid atmosphere filled with expectations.
Walking through, locals unwaveringly devoted to their duties.
Working, remaining, offering, awaiting.
They were told of exhaustion, yet dedication persisted.
Waiting for nature’s tears, renewal through purification.
Waiting.
Five days later, the anticipation ceased with the arrival of Rain.”
- Pol Petrino
In this residency, my objective was to craft a performance that encapsulated the profound role of rain in Bali, drawing from my initial encounter with the island. I perceived rain as a benediction, a nightly ritual enacted by nature, cleansing the island of human energies, preparing it for renewal each day. It was a moment universally anticipated, where everyone paused to observe and express gratitude for the purifying rain, readying the earth to absorb and replenish for the coming day. Simultaneously, rain purified humankind, infusing them with energy to resume their synergy with Mother Nature.
However, upon my return, I was confronted with an unexpected reality – the absence of rain for months. Conversations with locals revealed a collective longing for rain, both people and land weary from the dense atmosphere. Thus, my envisioned performance transformed into "Nyantos Sabhe," translated from Balinese as "waiting for rain." Each day, I expended energies in the fields, employing a new canvas to signify the passage of time. Like the locals, I persisted in my work, in harmonious collaboration with nature, utilising the earth of the rice terraces, knowing that the anticipated blessing would eventually grace us. After five days and five canvases, the awaited rain finally manifested, purifying our endeavours and rewarding our steadfastness in honouring our pact of synergy with nature. "Nyantos Sabhe" stands as a testament to the enduring connection between humans and the natural world, highlighting the profound significance of rain in Balinese culture, both in sustaining life and fostering renewal.
