Over the weekend, Jeremiah visited the Kraton, or Royal Palace, in Yogjakarta. The Yogja Kraton is believed to be one of the grandest in Indonesia. Every day of the week, a show highlighting a particular Javanese cultural tradition is staged. When Jeremiah visited, a Wayang Kulit (puppet shadow play) was being performed.
The set up of the Wayang was quite elaborate. The cast, equipment and screen occupied more than half of the pendopo (Javanese open pavilion). There were all in all about 90 to 100 performers for what appeared to be a simple play. Most of the performers were musicians playing the orchestra. The job of the dalang (puppeteer) is one of the most difficult. He must not only pull the strings but must also give the various cues to the rest of the cast, particularly the musicians. This means that he not only controls the puppet but is also the conductor.
Well, Wayang is definitely not for any Tom, Dick or Harry. Wayang is an art. Staging a good Wayang requires skills.
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