Product Description

Wayang Wong 1

Background: Wayang Wong means ‘shadow men’ and the movements mimic the jerky movements of the shadow puppets. It is a sacred masked dance-drama and not performed often.

Its origin is thought to have been a request by the king of Klungkung, Dalem Gede Kusamba (1772-1825), who wanted a new dance form using the royal masks and featuring the Ramayana stories.

Most of the scenes are battle scenes and the dancers sing their lines in Kawi, which is translated into Balinese by four clowns. The story is usually just an episode of the Ramayana and its choice is governed by the nature of the masks owned by the village.

Order Number: MB60