Event

Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play)
Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center

Gamelan Puppet, courtesy of Midiyanto

Midiyanto, dhalang (puppet master), and members of UC Berkeley Gamelan Sari Raras, Midiyanto and Benjamin Brinner, directors.

Javanese Shadow Puppets and Music Bring Another World to Life

Wayang Kulit (shadow play) is a complex art form that has been central to Javanese cultural life for centuries, changing with the times, and continuing to enjoy great popularity today. A performance usually lasts from evening until close to dawn, without a break, and draws an audience of all ages and social groups. Drama, philosophy, comedy, music, and dance (translated to puppet movement) are integrated into a performance that encapsulates what many consider to be the essence of Javanese culture.

The dhalang (puppet master) must master diverse arts in order to create or recreate a story that incorporates humor and action, as well as current issues, philosophical teachings, and elements of Javanese myth, legend, and history. He narrates, provides distinctive voices for each of the characters, manipulates the puppets, sings, and directs the gamelan. A dhalang may also be known as a spiritual leader or practitioner and is often a highly respected member of society. A popular dhalang may perform 20 times or more in a month during the main performance season, which lasts from June to August.

   —Ben Brinner

$10 Students and Children, $20 Adults | Unassigned Seating

Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, Davis, CA 95616
News

Department of Music Presents Wayang Kulit
April 6, 2016 (Davis Enterprise)

Gamelan-Puppet, courtesy of Midiyanto

Audiences can try an afternoon of Javanese-style music and storytelling at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, in the Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, as Javanese-born musician and storyteller Midiyanto performs with the Bay Area-based ensemble Gamelan Sari Raras in a program titled Wayang Kulit.

View all UCD Arts departments and programs

Melody Chiang

Art
History

Melody Chiang

Art
Studio

Melody Chiang

Cinema and Digital Media

Melody Chiang

Design

Melody Chiang

Music

Melody Chiang

Theatre
and Dance

Melody Chiang

Performance Studies

Melody Chiang

Mondavi
Center

Melody Chiang

ARTS ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP

Melody Chiang

Home:
UC Davis Arts