'Wayang listrik': A novel treatment of classic tale

'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.