Kama and Kala: Bali and Its Double

Original title: "Kama e Kala: Bali e il suo doppio". Collana Le guide, Cue Press, 2026.

A book by Enrico Masseroli.

Kama: love, universal magnetism, pulsating and formative energy; Kala: time, the arrogant demon that torments, wears down, overwhelms, and swallows everything. Their eternal struggle is the very life of Bali; respectful gifts and offerings are made to both. On the Island of Theatre, encounters and discoveries—curious and surprising events—are recounted by an Italian actor and director who emerged from the unique theatrical revolution that swept through the 1970s.

It is an experience inspired by the profound, far-sighted intuition of Jerzy Grotowski, realized through a partnership with a globally admired performer and master: the incomparable I Made Djimat.

A journey repeated over nearly fifty years, witnessing dramatic changes that reshaped the landscape, the way of life, and the mysteries of what was once the marginalized "Island of Demons"—only to become, in the 20th century, the "Island of the Gods" for global tourism.

These stories serve as an unconventional guide for those seeking the radiant, hidden souls of Bali; at the same time, they offer an invaluable handbook for theatre practitioners discovering its extraordinary performing arts. Thanks to Antonin Artaud "The Theatre and its Double", they became for the West the living embodiment of "what Theatre should never have ceased to be."

Discover the book: https://www.cuepress.com/prodotto/enrico-masseroli-kama-e-kala-bali-e-il-suo-doppio/

ON THE AUTHOR

Enrico Masseroli, actor and director. From 1973 to 1982, he was a member of the Teatro Tascabile di Bergamo, directed by Renzo Vescovi.

Sent to Bali by Jerzy Grotowski, he has studied with the renowned Balinese master I Made Djimat since January 1979.

In 1987, he founded The Pirate Ship ensemble in Austria, dedicated to street theatre. Through his productions Dharma Shakti (1983–1995) and, from 1996 onwards, The Incredible Story of King Bedahulu, he introduced Balinese theatre to international audiences, performing in Italian, English, German, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

He has incorporated Balinese theatrical and musical forms into syncretic productions, including Singende Brunnen (Salzburg), On the Silk Road, Cantico, The King and the Vetala, and Via Crucis.

He performs with European gamelan ensembles including Cara Bali, Anggur Jaya, and Gambuh Ensemble Basel, as well as in Bali during ceremonies and ritual celebrations.

In 2010, he founded the Gamelan Gong Cenik, which remains active to this day.

Alongside his teaching activities, he has continued to work as both an actor and director of Western theatrical works.