For over a decade now, they've been staging a ballet based on the Ramayana in Yogyakarta. You can watch it practically for free at the sultan's palace (though you do have to pay for palace admission), or for a fee at Prambanan Temple (they move into the city during the rainy season).

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic where Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, rescues his wife who was abducted by the evil king of Lanka. Being a truly trusting husband, Rama suspected her of infidelity right after rescuing her. As proof of her faithfulness, his wife literally walks through fire, and the god of fire protects her from the flames. After that, the couple lives happily ever after.

The epic reached Java centuries ago and underwent slight changes under the influence of local traditions. For example, Rama's wife is called Sinta instead of Sita, and she's portrayed as brave and strong, even fighting asuras in battle, rather than just being a modest and patient woman waiting to be rescued, as in the Indian version.

And the ballet is far from classical. But it was interesting to watch. If you happen to go, at least read a summary beforehand. Otherwise, you'll have no idea what's happening on stage. Or read the full version of "The Tale of Seri Rama: The Indonesian Ramayana" translated by Lyudmila Mervart.