![]() The performances refer to four cycles of epics, which were standardized by the royal courts of Central Java in the 18th century. The stories presented in wayang kulit performances that are based on the classic Hindu Saga, are commonly known as wayang purwa (classical wayang). Whatever the circumstance, wayang stories always present philosophical ideas and poignant messages. "Good" characters may possess negative traits and likewise, not all "bad" characters are entirely immoral. The means to those ends are not always clear cut. During the endless battle between good versus evil, they also contemplate the existential struggle between right and wrong. Tales in wayang performances are usually taken from the Ramayana or Mahabharata Hindu epics as well as from Java's own history and legends, that usually involve moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, following their journeys through life, love, and war. He has a screen and a small oil lamp in front of him that throws shadows of the wayangs on the screen, while when not appearing, the wayang figures are stuck on a long banana stalk that can be easily taken up whenever the master needs them. The stories in wayang kulit are brought by one sole master performer called dalang, whorelates the story and at the same time does the voice for all characters, both male and female, the good as well as the bad. ![]() Visitors are welcome to observe and learn the intricate process in making wayang kulit in the Village of Kepuhsari, Wonogiri Regency, in Central Java. Several artists are usually involved in the different stages required to make one single puppet. The art of creating wayang kulit is incredibly detailed. It is made of cow's leather, meticulously chiseled with very fine tools, supported by carefully shaped buffalo horn handles and control rods. Nonetheless, Wayang kulit is still the most well known Indonesian wayang performance. To watch this fabulous Ramayana ballet at its very best see this on full moon nights in the dry season between May through October, when the bright round moon shines directly on the elegant Prambanan temples, becoming an unforgettable backdrop to the riveting play. ![]() In wayang orang, actors usually wear the mask of the character they portray, whereas, in the dramatic Ramayana dance legend which is regularly performed at the grand stage of the Prambanan temple,the masks are cast off. Today Wayang orang and wayang kulit performances are still regularly held at the Keraton or Sultan's Palace of Yogyakartaand Keraton Solo. While wayang golek is mostly associated with the Sundanese in West Java Province, wayang kulit is the outstanding art of the Javanese in Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java as well as Bali. It comes in the form of theater (wayang orang), three-dimensional wooden puppets theatre (wayang golek), and the most distinguished one: leather puppet shadow theatre (wayang kulit). This long-lived art is among the world's greatest story-telling tradition. For centuries, the art of Wayang (traditional shadow puppets) has become an inseparable part of the lives of the people on the islands of Java and Bali and is a prominent part of Indonesian culture ![]()
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