The Development and Function of the Gara-gara Scene in the Surakarta Style Shadow Puppet Performances

Abstract

This paper aimed to examine the development and function of the gara-gara scene in the Surakarta style shadow puppet performances. The gara-gara scene is the scene that is shown first in the pathet sanga part of the shadow puppet performances. There were two problems studied: (1) how the development of the gara-gara scene is; and (2) how the function of the gara-gara scene is in shadow puppet performances. Problems were analyzed with the theories of development and art function. The method used was literature study, interviews, and observation.

The analysis results showed that the gara-gara scene was originally only presented in a play which contains a scene of the knight in meditation. In its development, the gara-gara scene is presented in every play. In addition, the gara-gara scene in the Surakarta style shadow puppet performances has developed in pocapan (narration), ginem (dialogue), and karawitan pakeliran, which includes gamelan instruments and the songs performed. This development contains two factors, namely internal and external factors. The function of the gara-gara scene includes the functions of communication, education, entertainment, and propaganda media. The conclusion of this paper states that the scene of gara-gara has developed along with the dynamics of changing times. The gara-gara scene has various functions for the social life of society.

Keywords: gara-gara scene, development, function, shadow pupprt performance, Surakarta style

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/102-04

Publication date:December 31^st 2022