'Wayang listrik': A novel treatment of classic tale

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Jakartans will have a rare chance to watch wayang listrik, a modern version of the Balinese shadow puppet show, at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Central Jakarta this weekend.

The show is only one of the Celebrating Indonesia programs, which are jointly staged by the Jakarta Arts Council and the Ford Foundation as part of the foundation's 50th anniversary.

Less-popular traditional performances from some provinces in the country will also be featured at Atrium Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12.

Organizer Ratna Riantiarno told a media conference on Wednesday that the 90-minute shadow puppet show, to be performed by Cudamani art studio from Bali, would be entitled A Shu, an epic depicting the journey of the eldest of the Pandawa knight clan, Yudhistira, to heaven.

Just like an ordinary shadow puppet show, a puppeteer will cast the shadows of puppets on a huge screen lit by between four and seven halogen lamps. The difference is several dancers will accompany the puppets.

"Wayang listrik is still not familiar for us and it will be introduced to students invited to the playhouse a day before the show. It's a part of the art goes to school program," said Ratna, a noted actress.

The show was first introduced in Pengosekan Ubud, Bali, in 1996 by American puppeteer Larry Reed.

Celebrating Indonesia is a part of the council's five-year program to boost appreciating art performances, which aims to introduce less-popular traditional arts and dances.

Plaza Senayan, a famous hangout for Jakarta youngsters, was chosen by the organizers because "it is where the current MTV generation hang out and it's easier to attract their attention. We hope we can elevate their appreciation of the arts."

Among dances to be performed at the plaza are Yosim Pancar from Papua, Hudoq from East Kalimantan and Watublapi from East Flores. Other areas of Lombok and South Sulawesi will feature their traditional music recitals.

The performances will be conducted by students from nine high schools in Greater Jakarta.

Visitors at Plaza Senayan will also have a chance to enjoy an exhibition and join interactive sessions between shows.

Ratna said no commercial sponsor was involved in the event as a sponsor could overshadow the core of the event.

Celebrating Indonesia * Wayang listrik, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Jl. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta No. 1, Central Jakarta, Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets Rp 25,000 for balcony seat and Rp 15,000 for floor seat. For reservation call 344-1892. * Exhibition, Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Africa, Central Jakarta, Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., free of charge. * Traditional performances, Atrium Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Africa, Central Jakarta, Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., free of charge.