Hartati's work presents striking visuals and technical mastery

The lights go up to reveal a woman threshing a bunch of rice stalks by hand. This single figure on stage evokes a range of references — not least tradition, and the idea of rice farming as integral to the societies, economies and cultures of many South-east Asian countries.

- Jocelyn Chng

DANCE JARUM DALAM JERAMI (NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK) Hartati (Indonesia) Esplanade Theatre Studio May 3

The harsh swishing sound made by her vigorous swinging action brings to mind the hard work and sweat of a farmer.

After letting this stage image settle, more figures dressed in long dark red tunics and cream-coloured long trousers enter, carrying rice bags filled with paddy hay, and begin to strew the hay over the floor until it forms a huge pile in the middle of the stage. Another woman stands on top of the haystack, balancing precariously first on one leg, then the other.