It's a telling, symbolic moment. Black wars with white. Keys like chessmen. The dalang is suspected by many but never seen here. Nothing is static.
Nothing is esoteric.
Consider, investigate, confront and establish. It's the scientific method of inquiry applied to enlightenment. The encouragement of free thought and action resonates throughout. The headmaster of the conformity school tries to instruct Dane into binary thought. It's both a disclaimer for his comments and an invitation to spread one's wings.