Wayang kulit, the Indonesian art of shadow puppetry, is one of Java’s most beloved traditional forms of theater and storytelling. But it’s an old art form that is difficult to get young Indonesians interested in.
Well somebody has come up with a brilliant idea that has definitely got us interested – staging a wayang version of Star Wars!
The performance, being put on by a group of artists and performers calling themselves Wayang Lepas, will take place in Bandung this Saturday. This video teaser should give you an idea of how much work they’ve put into it.
In a post on the Wayang Lepas Facebook page, the creators give the lowdown on how their staging of “Perang Bintang” came to be:
“Who the hell had this crazy idea to make an adaptation of Star Wars using puppets? It was none other than Collective 39, the organizers of Star Wars Day, or SWD.
Collective 39 is made up of a swarm of creative people that usually hang out at Jl. Sunda No. 39. In addition to the first convention held in Indonesia, Star Wars Day Bandung (SWDBDG2012), they also organized Star Wars Day Jakarta (SWDJKT 2013) and gave birth to the lightsaber community Urban Jedi and first local lightsaber manufacturer, Sinar Saber.
There is also a maker space at Jl. Sunda No. 39. as well as an ’80s toy museum.
So save the date, guys! December 13, 2014, in Rumah Musik Harry Roesli, watch the show # WayangLepas version of “Perang Bintang!”
In another brilliant stroke, the organizers are letting audiences watch the show from two sides of the performance screen, the “Light Side” or the “Dark Side.” Those sitting in the Light Side audience will get to see the performers and the puppet in all their colorful glory, while the Dark Side will of course get the true “shadow” puppet experience.
As if that wasn’t cool enough, the soundtrack for the show will be a fusion of traditional gamelan music and electronica by Bottlesmoker, one of Indonesia’s hottest electronic music groups.
Entry to the performance is free but there are only 60 seats available so if you want to go you best email them now (instructions below)
Wayang Lepas presents “Perang Bintang”
December 13, 6:30pm – finish
Rumah Musik Harry Roesli
Jl. Soepratman no.57-59, Bandung
Wayang Lepas Facebook, Twitter
HOW TO GET A SEAT
Send an email to wayang.lepas@gmail.com with the subject “Reservasi Wayang Lepas” and the following information.
- Your name
- Your telephone number
- Whether you want to sit in the “Light Side” or the “Dark Side”
Then wait for their reply. May the Force be with you!
