Wayang is the traditional Indonesian puppet theater that tells stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are three main types of wayang - wayang kulit made from leather puppets, wayang golek made from wood, and wayang wong performed by human dancers. The puppet master controls the puppets and tells the story, imparting lessons on morality and spirituality through the performances. Wayang puppetry was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003 to recognize its cultural and artistic significance in Indonesia.

1. “WAYANG” - The
Indonesian
Puppet Theater
By: Iwan Syahril

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Indonesia

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Types of
Wayang
• Wayang Kulit
• Wayang Golek
• Wayang Wong

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• Wayang began as a ceremony for calling
departed spirits.
• Adapted as a tool for performances in the ninth
and tenth centuries to present the great
Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
• Evolved further in the Middle Ages to educate
audiences on Islamic themes

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Main Concepts
• Alus & Kasar
– Pure, refined, civilized
– Impolite, rough,
uncivilized
• Lahir & Batin
– Outer realm
– Inner realm
• Rasa
– Feeling from within
and without; implicit
meanings

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Forms and meanings
• Personality types are reflected in stature,
body shape, form of the eyes, and colors;
while social standing is reflected in the
clothing and ornaments.
• Colors are based on the ancient
cosmological meanings:
– Black -> maturity, tranquility
– Red -> uncontrolled passions
– Yellow & gold -> dignity
– White -> noble lineage, youth, beauty

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A dalang is usually
highly respected & is
often believed to
possess supernatural
qualities.
A
spiritual
ceremony

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An American Wayang
Experience

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A creative wayang
performance

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Arjuna: The handsome,
powerful,and skillful warrior.
The Punakawan: The clowns
but very wise and powerful.

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SEMAR
Batik with Kampuh Polong
patterns symbolizing 4
kinds of lust:
1. Anger (red)
2. Greed (blue)
3. Desire to eat and sleep
(black)
4. Having no desire (white)

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Wayang, one of
the Masterpieces
of Oral and
Intangible
Heritage of
Humanity.
(UNESCO, 2003)
Wayang Rocks!

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WAYANG DISCO
WAYANG DUET

14. “Thank you
for listening”
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