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Introduction
of Wayang Kulit
The word 'Wayang' is a Javanesse
word means means 'Shadow' and the
word 'Kulit' means 'Leather'. Wayang
Kulit is a theatrical performance of
living actors (wayang orang), three
dimensional puppets (wayang golek)
or shadow images projected before a
backlit screen.
The Wayang Kulit
use two-dimensional puppets chiseled
by hand of buffalo or goat
parchment; like paper dolls, but
with arms that swivel.
It is a highly developed art with
many regional forms.
The Performances
Most
performance are held in classical
Javanesse language and last a whole
night or longer. The stories are
based on the Hindu epics Ramayana
(will link to Ramayana page),
Bharatayuda (will link to
Bharatayuda page), and Mahabharata
(will link to Mahabharata page).
Of the many different style of
Wayang Kulit, by far the most
popular is the form
practiced in Central and East Java,
the most populated island of
Indonesia.
The Dalang
Once upon a time, a Dalang
(Puppeteer) and his troops would
travel from village to village. In
these days before TV and Internet,
his performance were among the rare
occasions for entertainment. He was
a well respected man and often
brought news from the outside world,
which otherwise would never have
reached remote areas.
These days
are gone, but Wayang Kulit can also
be seen at cultural centers,
festivals, and special performances
are given for tourists. |
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