Calabai Jangeng

Overview

Emma’s first collaboration with Indonesian performance artist, Tamarra, was in January 2019, when they travelled together to South Sulawesi to spend time with members of the Bissu community there. There is danger in assuming a universal trans experience - the Bissu have long celebrated multiple gender identities but their history of veneration, persecution and survival is unique. Tamarra and Emma made a subsequent shared ritual performance and documentary of the trip named Calabai Jangeng (literally - Crazy Trans Women) a term of beautiful endearment that was shouted loudly throughout our 10 day road trip!