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Introduction and history

Wayang Kulit Jawa in Malaysia was introduced by the people of Jawa descent who migrated to Malaya, especially in Johor and Selangor, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They bring the art of wayang kulit as part of their cultural tradition.

In Malaysia, Wayang Kulit Jawa has undergone adaptation to local elements, such as the use of the Malay language and Islamic elements, making it more relevant to the local community. These performances often feature epic stories such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folk tales adapted according to local culture.

In the beginning, wayang kulit was played in religious events, feasts, and celebrations, serving as entertainment as well as a medium for conveying moral values. However, with the changing times and modern influences, its popularity is declining despite efforts from art and cultural groups to preserve this heritage. Today, Wayang Kulit Jawa is still valued as an important cultural heritage in Malaysia, reflecting the cultural unity between the Jawa and local communities.


Functions and Roles

Wayang Kulit Jawa in Malaysia was introduced by the people of Jawa descent who migrated to Malaya, especially in Johor and Selangor, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They bring the art of wayang kulit as part of their cultural tradition.

In Malaysia, Wayang Kulit Jawa has undergone adaptation to local elements, such as the use of the Malay language and Islamic elements, making it more relevant to the local community. These performances often feature epic stories such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folk tales adapted according to local culture.

In the beginning, wayang kulit was played in religious events, feasts, and celebrations, serving as entertainment as well as a medium for conveying moral values. However, with the changing times and modern influences, its popularity is declining despite efforts from art and cultural groups to preserve this heritage. Today, Wayang Kulit Jawa is still valued as an important cultural heritage in Malaysia, reflecting the cultural unity between the Jawa and local communities.


Equipment/ Ingredients

The equipment used in Wayang Kulit Jawa performances in Malaysia includes:

1. Wayang Kulit (Puppets): Leather puppets intricately carved and painted to represent characters from epic stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

2. Kelir (Screen): A white screen used to display the shadows of the puppets manipulated behind it.

3. Oil Lamp or Electric Lamp: A lamp placed behind the screen to create the shadows of the characters on the screen.

4. Gamelan or Traditional Musical Instruments: Instruments such as gongs, drums (gendang), saron, and kenong are played to accompany the storytelling and enhance the dramatic effect.

5. Kepyak (Sound Instrument): A metal device struck by the puppeteer (dalang) to signal movements or highlight significant scenes in the performance.


Method / Preparation Method / Presentation Method

Way of Performances:

Stage and Screen: Wayang Kulit Jawa play is performed behind a white screen with lights as lighting to create shadows of puppets.


Dalang (Main Player): The puppeteer (dalang) plays the main role, moving the figures and controlling the dialogue and storyline.


Accompaniment Music Instrument: The performance is accompanied by Jawa gamelan music, such as gong, gendang, and bonang, which provide a dramatic atmosphere.

Story in Wayang Kulit Jawa:

Ramayana Story: An epic story involving Rama, Sita, and Hanuman, famous in Jawa culture.


Mahabharata Story: The story of the war between the Pandawa and the Kurawa is loaded with moral and spiritual values.


Banner Story: A story of romance and adventure involving the princes of the Javanese kingdom.


Reference Source

  1. Bahan Bacaan

Rahman Bujang (2007) Fungsi Komunikasi Dan Estetika Dalam Persembahan Teater Tradisional Wayang Kulit. Jurnal Pengajian Melayu. Jilid 18.  file:///C:/Users/eddy/Downloads/19603.pdf


Kurnia Aditama Nugroho and Linda Sunarti. (2019). The New Order Play: Wayang as a Medium for Development Messages, 1969–84. Pertanika J. Soc. Sci. & Hum. 27 (3): 2017 - 2032 (2019). ISSN: 0128-7702 e-ISSN 2231-8534.



Matthew Isaac Cohen (2014).Wayang Kulit Tradisional dan Pasca-Tradisional di Jawa Masa Kini. Kajian Jurnal Seni. https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/jks/article/view/5965https://doi.org/10.22146/art.5965.


Rahman Bujang (2007) Fungsi Komunikasi Dan Estetika Dalam Persembahan Teater Tradisional Wayang Kulit. Jurnal Pengajian Melayu. Jilid 18.  file:///C:/Users/eddy/Downloads/19603.pdf


  1. Tokoh (jika ada temu bual tokoh)

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State JKKN Contact Information

Ahmad Zaimy bin Mohd Yusoff

Cultural Officer

Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Selangor
Tingkat 6, Menara Korporat, Kompleks IDCC Shah Alam Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Seksyen 15 40200 Shah Alam, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

03-5543 1654 /1763

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