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| (picture from: http://bimasena.co.id) |
The Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets) whirl in front of the stage. Their movements are smooth and rhythmic according to the crash of gongs and bells. The shadow pupets are carved from the skin of the water buffalo. With a thin knife, they create fine, lace-like details. These are painted in bright colours. Moveable arms are attached before the painting begins. Each puppet's face is different, as his or her character is reflected in the features and expressions. It is the DALANG (puppet master), who brings these puppets to life before the large paper screen.He manipulates the figures in amazingly beautiful and life-like manner. On the screen, the characters can run, laugh,argue and fight.The dalang is diplomatic and charming leader of the performance. He varies his voice to suit the puppet's characters and mood. Conversing in both the local and aristocratic levels of language ,he spins stories of religion and history. The dalang also cues the gamelan orchestra to changes in the tempo by various signals. so, how about yogyakarta?