“Wayang Kulit” Javanese Shadow Puppetry (UC Berkeley)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Wayang Kulit (Javanese Shadow Play)

Experience the renowned tradition of Javanese shadow puppetry, featuring a rare visit by rising young star Ki Hanggoro Murti as he brings the Ramayana epic to life with dance scenes, comic interludes, and wild battles. Musical accompaniment by master musicians Midiyanto and Heni Savitri, and gamelan ensemble Sari Raras.

UC Berkeley, Hertz Hall
Sunday, April 13, 7:30 PM
General: $16, Seniors: $12, Children: $5
https://events.berkeley.edu/music/event/284177-javanese-gamelan-shadowplay

Step into the enchanting world of ancient myth, epic drama, resonant bronze, and acrobatic puppetry with Hanoman in Action, a mesmerizing and action-packed Javanese wayang kulit shadow play, with master puppeteer from Central Java, Ki Hanggoro Murti. 

Under the expert musical direction of Midiyanto, and graced with the sublime vocals of Heni Savitri, Gamelan Sari Raras accompanies the youthful energy and excitement of Java’s rising star puppeteer with the rich gong reverberations and compelling percussion of the traditional Javanese gamelan orchestra. 

A graduate of the Indonesian Art Institute where he studied the art of traditional Javanese shadow puppetry, Ki Hanggoro Murti brings to life the epic Ramayana story with fiery puppet battles featuring the beloved Hanoman white monkey king. 

Children and adults alike enjoy the Javanese tradition of moving around the performance space to view the show from multiple angles: in front of the screen to see puppets moving magically as intricately layered shadows, and alternately viewing the expert manipulations of the puppeteer and gamelan orchestra from behind the screen. 

Ki Hanggoro Murti’s performance of this timeless art form with Gamelan Sari Raras promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Java’s artistic and philosophical heritage. 

Other performances:

UC Davis, Recital Hall, Ann E. Pitzer Center 

Thursday, April 17, 7 PM; Free

Indonesia & India in California Festival

April 19, 11 AM; Crowden Music School  1475 Rose Street, Berkeley; Free

San Francisco International Arts Festival 

May 11, 7pm; Community Music Center; 544 Capp Street, San Francisco; Early Bird: $20 (Ends March 31), Advance: $25, Door: $28

Sample video clip: https://youtu.be/nN4kTeJhuow

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.