Announcing a significant new book about I Wayan Gde Yudane, a prominent Balinese composer linked to New Zealand. Robyn Yuwell has penned this book based on interviews with Yudane and research.
We were fortunate to have held an in-person event to launch this book on the 8th of August at the Long Hall in Roseneath. This event featured compositions by local musicians performed by The First Smile gamelan and a performance of Topeng Tua by Yudane (with skeletal accompaniment on the Cirebon gamelan). Readings of book excerpts by Jennifer Shennan and by Robyn showcased the poetic nature of much of the writing. Yudane and daughter, Delisia, accompanied Robyn’s reading with subtle improvised music – the words and sounds together evoking scenes from Yudane’s childhood and the Balinese world.
Some responses:
The book is highly unusual…and brilliant. – Jennifer Shennan
...captures Yudane’s voice really clearly … it’s like he’s right there in the room with you. An entertaining and interesting life story worth finding out more about. – Rupert Snook
Robyn signing copies
The book is available as an e-book from:
- Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/
Hard copies are available from:
- the author: Email Robyn at robynyudane9@gmail.com
- Writer’s Plot Bookshop (Upper Hutt, NZ): https://writersplot.org.nz/
- Ganesha Bookshop (Ubud, Bali): https://www.facebook.com/Ganesha-Bookshop
Images of Yudane performing Topeng Tua at the book launch at the Long Hall, 8 August:
