Monash Memo - 22 August 2001

Back to this edition's story list

Safari suits Victorian students

School students across Victoria this month enjoyed a taste of Sundanese culture, brought to Melbourne in conjunction with Monash’s School of Asian Languages.

A performance group from Padjadjaran University in Indonesia performed ‘A Safari of Sundanese Culture’ in state and private schools across the state and at the Gippsland and Clayton campuses.

Also sponsored by the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne, the students not only enjoyed the colourful performances, but also gained first-hand experience in performance, puppetry and dance.

The convenor of the Indonesian School of Asian Languages and Studies at Monash, Mr Basoeki Koesasi, who coordinated the event, said Victorian students gave the visitors an enthusiastic welcome.

“Students were able to play with the puppets, wear the costumes and perform the dances,” Mr Koesasi. “This all helps to bridge the cultural gaps between countries which are such near neighbours.”

He said the dancers also raised the awareness of students of Indonesian language courses, particularly those at Monash.

Dancer and musician, Ms Merryani Nugrahati shows a Carey Grammar student in Kew the finer points of costume fastening.