2005 Wayang Kulit Workshops

Wayang Workshops FlyerWorkshop details

  • Time and date:
    6.30 pm, 21 & 22 July 2005; 9 am, 23 July 2005
  • Venue:
    Old Darlington School, University of Sydney
  • Presenter:
    Helen Pausacker
  • Description:
    Lectures, demonstrations and practical workshops of Javanese wayang kulit puppetry and gamelan accompaniment by Melbourne-based dhalang Helen Pausacker.

Program

Thursday 21 July

  • 6.30–8.30 p.m., Peter Platt Auditorium
    Introductory overview of wayang (lecture with video segments): historical and social context; overview of Mahabharata and Ramayana; overall structure of wayang performance and pathet; explanation of Javanese terms used in wayang

Friday 22 July

  • 6.30–8.30 p.m., Peter Platt Auditorium
    Wayang performance (lecture/demonstration): description of different types of puppets; introduction to a number of wayang characters; movements of puppets; how the movement of the puppets fits with the gamelan accompaniment; how the dhalang indicates what music the musicians should play

Saturday 23 July

Gamelan Room
Wayang accompaniment and cues (practical workshops)

  • 9.00–10.30 a.m — Sampak
    Introduction to dodogan — how the dhalang calls for sampak, using knocks on the puppet chest (dodogan), how the music is sped up and how it stops. Practice with these dodogan, with musicians taking turns to practise the dodogan, as well as play the music.
  • 11.00 a.m.–12.30 p.m. — Srepegan
    Explanation of the dodogan used for srepegan. Practice with these dodogan.
  • 1.30–3.00 p.m. — Ayak-Ayakan
    Explanation of the dodogan used for ayak-ayakan. Practice with these dodogan.
  • 3.30–5.00 p.m. — Gendhing (Asmaradana)
    How does a dhalang call for particular gendhing, so the musicians know what to play? How do the musicians know when to be quiet, while the dhalang speaks (sirep)? Which instruments play during this period? How does the kendhang accompany the movements of the puppets? Practice with these dodogan, using example of Asmaradana.