Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets) Performing Art In Bali

Wayang Kulit Bali is a traditional performing art that is widely known by the people in Bali. Generally, the plays performed on the show are derived from classic stories such as: Mahabharata, Ramayana, Calonarang, etc. This performing art became one of the educational mediums in the past. This art presents advice, morals, spirituality, and more. People make these values as a guide in their daily life.

In Bali, the art of wayang kulit performances is said to have existed since around the 9th century AD. One of the inscriptions from the ancient Balinese kingdom is the Bebetin Inscription which dates to 818 Saka (896 AD), in which the term "parbwayang" which means puppeteer is found.

Wayang kulit is made from dried buffalo skin, and is shaped in such a way according to the name and character of the wayang. This is usually done by artists or craftsmen who specialize in shadow puppets. One of the centers for wayang craftsmen in Bali is located in Banjar Babakan, Sukawati Village, Gianyar Regency.

This performing art usually presents a spiritual or entertainment theme. The performances with a spiritual theme are usually related to certain rituals or ceremonies and are sacred by Balinese Hindu. On the other hand, the entertainment theme aims to entertain the audience and is often related to social issues in society.

Based on the time of performance, Balinese wayang kulit can be divided into "wayang peteng" and "wayang lemah". The wayang peteng are performed at night and bring a broad theme of the story, either in the form of entertainment or spiritual themes. Wayang peteng consists of: wayang parwa, wayang ramayana, wayang gambuh, wayang calonarang, wayang cupak, wayang sasak, wayang arja, wayang tantri, and wayang babad.

Meanwhile, the wayang lemah are performed during the day and are usually associated with spiritual or religious ceremonies. The staging is done around the place where the ceremony takes place and without using a screen. The puppets will be leaning on white threads (tukelan) which are tied at both ends to dadap wood which is attached to the trunk of a banana tree.

Traditional wayang kulit performances in Bali usually involve: a dalang, accompanist, and assistant puppeteer (tututan/ketengkong). The puppeteer is the leader as well as the voice of the puppets during the performance. A dalang has skills including: mastery of literary arts, vocals and movements, and other skills so as to make wayang kulit shows come alive and be accepted by the public. In his performance, the dalang usually requires around 125-130 pieces of wayang.

Reference

1. google.co.id
2. wikipedia.org _ Wayang Kulit Bali _ on October 29, 2021
   https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayang_kulit_Bali

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