The
shadow puppets, or Wayang, of Bali, are known to be the most prominent
Balinese theatrical expression. Bali's culture is derived from
pre-Hindu, Hindu, and Islamic influences. The wayang theater preserves
the country's Gubdy-Buddhist heritage. The plays are usually based on
stories drawn from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics. They
communicate Bali's history, religious and spiritual teachings, poetry,
and philosophy. The characters are demi-gods, demons, magic men, and
romantic lovers. There are many different stories past through
generations by the puppet theater. The night performances of the wayang
are for entertainment. A translucent rice paper screen is back-lit by
flickering candles or a coconut husk oil lamp. Religious performances
take place during the day. Often these performances will occur during,
or prior to a ceremony of religious significance. Only one puppeteer,
called a dalang, puts on a performance. This person, often a priest, is
a person greatly respected in his community. The dalang must be a very
well educated and talented individual as his responsibility is vast.
The rods of at least 20 wayang figures are manipulated as the dalang
chants or sings his narration. He is accompanied by an orchestra of 4
metal keyed instruments that sound like fairies (gamelan orchestra).
The daland cues the orchestra with his feet while he improvises a
complex network of intrigues from a simple plot. He must be able to
produce a different voice for each character as well as to physically
endure an all evening performance. He is a master story-teller, a
philosopher, a poet, an actor, and a teacher. It is said that the
dalang is the greatest educator of the people. The wayland serves to
communicate the history, ideas, and principles of their culture. It
pulls the Balinese together as a community and gives people an
opportunity to view themselves "through the mirror of the mystic
history; to view their current situation through a timeless
perspective" (Shadow Light).
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