Gifts from the Waves? Cultural Identity, the Rise of Performing Arts Communities, and Women's Performance Practice in Post-tsunami Aceh

This article examines how the performing arts have changed in Banda Aceh since the time of the tsunami (2004–16). It discusses how Acehnese musicians and dancers negotiate their creativity and livelihoods in relation to the sociopolitical and religious transformations they have experienced in last 12 years. These transformations have resulted in the recognition of the performing arts as an expression of Acehnese cultural identity, the rise of sanggar, and the impact of changes in the religious climate on women's performing arts. Finally, it presents four strategies performers use to negotiate the changing performance context in Banda Aceh today.