Gambuh -- archaic, highly stylized, by turns raucous and exquisitely stately -- is said to be Bali's oldest surviving ritual theatre, comparable to Noh theatre in Japan, and Kathakali in India.

The Condong is always the first character to appear in a gambuh performance. She is the female servant in whom the Princess confides. She enters alone, speaking in a high pitched tone. The condong's role requires high literary and vocal skills, as she has to translate the Kawi dialogue of the Princess into Balinese.