Some Notes.

Was cleaning up the room when i found old lecture notes on the ancient Javanese high art, Wayang Kulit last year when world renowned Dhalang (Shadow Pupeteer) Pak Midiyanto (Widiyanto)came to NAFA to give a talk. Here is what i wrote...and u can hear a sample of the wayang as u read too...

Wayang Kulit

1. Wayang Kulit = Shadow Skin (Shadow of one's life)

2. Stories are derived from Indian (Hindu) epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Not a religious art, just a high form of art.

3. A regular performance would last for 9 hours, from 9pm to 6pm non-stop. Usually held once a month, broadcasted through radio. It is a prestige to have Wayang Kulit, esp. when it's performed in the house. (This shows off the wealth of the person or family that hired them) Whereas people save money for cars and jewellery the wealthy Javanese save $$$ for holding Wayang Kulit performances.

4. Cost: abt 10 to 20k (S$). 30 musicians, 5 singers. Usually held in a big open space (somewhat like our pasar malam and getai) the place is packed by 10pm, usually garnering about 3000+ people or more. Open air, speakers as loud as rock bands.People come for various reason; eg to watch, listen, eat street food, find trouble, gamble, betting, ogling at girls etc no joke!

5. 9 hour play divided into 3 'acts':
a Talu (Overture to the wayang)
I: Jejer and Perang Gagal (audience scene and inconclusive battle scene) from 9pm to 12am. May include clown scenes.
II: Perang kembang (Flower Battle) from 12 am to 3 am.
III: Tancep Kayon from 3am to 6am. Many fighting scenes involved.



6. Nowadays also used by local government to promote 'family programmes and values' and propaganda too. cos not many people listen to the government but most listen to wayang kulit.

7. The dhalang (Shadow Puppeteer) has 4 criteria to fulfill:
- Gendhing -Good Musicianship
- Gandhang -Good Voice
- Gendhang -Big Headedness (Knowing all there is to know, mastery of the art)
- Gendheng -Be multi-characteristic



8. Sometimes done 20 nights in a row, especially in seasonal periods; most musicians are farmers or rice planters by day.

9. The most important people are the Pesindhen (Female Singers), the Dhalang, then the male chorus (Gerongan)

10. There are many many kinds of stories; marraige, cousins fighting for land, annointation of kings and queens etc.