The Current Trend in the Fusion of Wayang Kulit Performance Styles from the ‘Keraton’ Tradition and ‘Folk’ Tradition

Abstract

The research is financed by Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia through Competency Grants.

Abstract

The aim of this research is to analyze the performance styles of wayang kulit purwa (classical shadow puppet theatre) from the keraton (court) tradition and the folk tradition in the past and present day. The research subject about the performance of wayang kulit from the keraton tradition is limited to Surakarta style wayang kulit performance, and the research subject about the performance of wayang kulit from the folk tradition includes East Javanese style and Kedu style. The problem discussed in this study is the cultural interaction between dalang (puppeteers) from the keraton tradition and the folk tradition. The research uses a qualitative method with an analytical descriptive analysis. The research data was collected through a library study, documentary study, observation, and interviews. The results of the research show that the performance of wayang kulit purwa in the present day has become diluted in terms of its performance style. Artistic elements from the folk tradition have been absorbed into the performances of dalang from the keraton tradition, and vice versa. The orientation of the performance of wayang kulit purwa in the present day is no longer simply for the audience to enjoy its storyline but also to entertain. Nevertheless, a complete aesthetical nuance is only present in wayang kulit performances from the ex-keraton tradition, while performances of wayang kulit from the folk tradition remain oriented to the nuances of gayeng (lively) and gobyog (dynamic).

Keywords: wayang kulit performance, keraton tradition, folk tradition, fusion of styles.

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/76-07

Publication date:September 30^th 2019