Luluk Purwanto, she hasn't lost her aggressive attack. - She's been creating her own brand of Freedom - She goes to great lengths to search for the meaning of freedom - She is without question a role model of courage for us to emulate - Don't mistake her for another victim of the money-music Industry. - She loves standing up on stage, before an eager crowd, attempting to translate her thoughts into music. - She takes the ultimate risk in what appears to be an effort to reach her audience and evolve as an artist. - She is back in Indonesia, recharged and armed with a new concept, facilitating a conversation between two expressive and innovative art-forms: Jazz and Wayang.  Mahabharata Jazz  and  Wayang is an unique program designed for the listener to comprehensively explore jazz improvisation in both western-contemporary and Javanese-traditional settings. Over the next 25 days ( Nov 28 – Dec 23, 2003),  audiences will have a rare and excellent chance to meet with wayang performers and international jazz artists, to take in a series of 20 exciting shows on the Stage Bus, at universities, cultural heritage sites and city squares of several major cities on the Island of Java and Bali.  Because of the unique composition of the group, with Luluk regarded as one of Indonesia’s foremost jazz artists closely working together with American, Dutch and Indonesian performers, this program will be a true cultural exchange. The planned performances will certainly provide a wonderful forum for the exchange of ideas and information pertaining to improvisation, Jazz and Wayang, thereby strengthening the field and enhancing the artistry and skill of the participants. Their program takes advantage of what each participant has to offer.  A sensational combination of personal statements. A unique and unpredictable, anything goes, mix of moods and styles influenced by their traditions and backgrounds.   Luluk Purwanto & the Helsdingen trio are an Internationally recognized jazz ensemble featuring: Luluk Purwanto (IND), violin/voice, René van Helsdingen (NL), piano , Marcello Pellitteri (USA), drums and Essiet Okon Essiet (USA), bass, dedicated to bringing their music to audiences around the world and continually breaking new ground for the acceptance and appreciation of improvised music.  Bebop, Modern, Cool, Mainstream, Swing,… Call it what you want, these 4 musicians got it to the infinite power.   They create the hottest moments sure to keep you cool. Special guest from Karang Asem, Balinese percussionist and pengrawit, I Ketut Budiyasa. Ketut is a solid percussionist adding a strongly pronounced atmospheric and peaceful Balinese character to the music.  The Indonesian tour 2003 will include the legendary Mahabharata story.  The Mahabharata, the largest epic ever written, elegantly depicts Hindu ideals and philosophies and has provided a wealth of inspiration for many cultures. The Balinese and Javanese, who accepted these verses long ago, combined the Hindu stories with Buddhist philosophy and their own folklore (Javanese philosophy). The central story of the epic deals with the conflict between two branches of a family descended from the supreme Gods of Hinduism. One branch of the family, the Kurawas, usurps the throne from the rightful heirs, the Pandawas. The dispute can only be resolved by war, a bloody fratricidal battle which tests the loyalties and consciences of several generations of the family.  Finally the Pandawas brothers prevail, a victory for justice and the concept of Right. The legendary Mahabharata story is presented in several individual, new and original episodes by the Dhalang:  Nanang HaPe. Nanang is a most extraordinary young talented puppeteer and public entertainer. To be a dhalang is not an easy matter. He is seated cross-legged and strikes the kechrek (rattle) with his right foot almost incessantly. He handles the puppets with both hands, imitates their different voices, tell jokes at the right times, and even sings every now and then. In addition, he controls his gamelan musicians (Pengrawit), Kiki Dunung and Soled Saryanto, without anyone among the audience ever noticing it. The tour will be made with a multifunctional “Stage Bus” (mobile stage), a special vehicle to offer Luluk Purwanto & the Helsdingen trio a unique way to travel and perform, designed by Dutch audio-visual installation artist Aart Marcus.  For this tour Aart Marcus has created a captivating display of shadows and projections to stimulate the imagination and creativity of the viewing audience. The Stage Bus is a concept by The Stage, Jakarta©1994. The Stage Bus is owned by JakArt Festival and has operated during JakArt@2001,2002,2003 International Arts Cultural and Educational Festivals to commemorate Jakarta’s Anniversary. The tour will be documented by Dutch artist and cineaste,  Martijn van Beenen, camera man and winner of the "Gouden Kalf" award 1999, grand prize of the Dutch Film Industry with "Jackson, The man with the Box".