Modern Art

A. G. Maisey · Yesterday, 10:46 PM

Yes Yohan, true. Ever since Islam set out to replace the old Hindu-Buddhist belief systems in Jawa, the wayang has been used for the purpose of propaganda. Maybe before that it was used to glorify rulers.

Wayang performances are delivered in one form or another of Javanese, the levels are usually mixed & sometimes the dalang will switch into Kawi or Old Javanese. Wayang language is difficult. Mostly I simply cannot understand it. While watching wayang kulit on TV I've often asked native speakers of Javanese if they can understand what is being said, the usual answer has been "no".

However, in a wayang kulit performance the dalang will deliver jokes & comments in ngoko or basa Indonesia, & these asides are invariably understood by everybody. Not only jokes & comments are delivered in understandable language, but also the propaganda. I seem to recall that during Suharto's time there was a general order issued to dalangs to incorporate political propaganda into their performances.

So yeah, all these classical & traditional art forms & practices are subjected to continuing updates.

But something that does seem to be unchanged over time is the propensity of Javanese people to liken one another to some character from the wayang.

Yesterday, 10:46 PM	#11
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,144	Yes Yohan, true. Ever since Islam set out to replace the old Hindu-Buddhist belief systems in Jawa, the wayang has been used for the purpose of propaganda. Maybe before that it was used to glorify rulers. Wayang performances are delivered in one form or another of Javanese, the levels are usually mixed & sometimes the dalang will switch into Kawi or Old Javanese. Wayang language is difficult. Mostly I simply cannot understand it. While watching wayang kulit on TV I've often asked native speakers of Javanese if they can understand what is being said, the usual answer has been "no". However, in a wayang kulit performance the dalang will deliver jokes & comments in ngoko or basa Indonesia, & these asides are invariably understood by everybody. Not only jokes & comments are delivered in understandable language, but also the propaganda. I seem to recall that during Suharto's time there was a general order issued to dalangs to incorporate political propaganda into their performances. So yeah, all these classical & traditional art forms & practices are subjected to continuing updates. But something that does seem to be unchanged over time is the propensity of Javanese people to liken one another to some character from the wayang.