Episode 121: Kathryn "Kitsie" Emerson, Ekalaya Performing Arts Center, Indonesia

In this episode, Gatty Rewind founding host, Michael Kirkpatrick Miller, returns to interview Dr. Kathryn "Kitsie" Emerson, the Director of the EKALAYA Arts Centre in Java. Dr. Emerson talks about Semar Mbangun Kayangan, a wayang (Indonesian shadow puppet) piece. She explores the history, narratives, and motives behind its various versions, as each portrays a unique vision of utopia tailored to different demographics. She closes by sharing her journey of discovering the Javanese language and culture as a non-native speaker. Lightning round: 4:11 Research and Lecture Summary: 10:16 Advice for researchers and recommendations: 41:30 Dr. Emerson's top recommendations: Tall Tree, Nest of the Wind  by Bernard Arps The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino style Rondalla group established in Cornell University. Check them out here.  Produced by Adam Farihin, Neen Tangcharoenmonkong, and Cecilia Liu.