JAVA SHADOW PUPPET CEREMONY IN LONDON
A very rare Java shadow puppet ceremony (wayang kulit) is to be conducted in front of the Kalimantan Creations shop in the Stables Market, Camden, London, THIS FRIDAY, 13 May 2005, beginning at nightfall. The shadow puppet ceremony is completely improvised and traditionally goes on for 8-9 hours but this Camden version will be abridged and is predicted to last between 1 and 3 hours.
The shadow puppet ceremony is to be conducted by Ki Bramantyo Prijosusilo from Sekaralas, East Java, in English and Javanese. The story is ‘The Fall of Alengka’ which is part of the Indian Ramayana epic. The community gamelan orchestra accompanying is named ‘Sekar Gedhogan’ (The Flowers of The Stables) with drummer Timothy Seekings. The puppets used will be from an authentic village puppet set once owned by a puppet master from Delanggu in Central Java collected by Thierry Durieux in the early 1990’s.
Between the time the market stalls close (around 7 P.M) and darkness there will be the didgeridoo of Giuseppe Nieddu, along with other performers who are part of the Stables Market Community: Ant's flutes--and didge?, Leslie, Michael, and all at Akwaaba, Stephano's bamboo horns--and didge?, and more. All artists are performing for free and the audience may also watch for free; however, as this is a community ceremony everyone is encouraged to bring and share refreshments. Also open for the public will be an exhibition of Thierry Durieux’ designs entitled ‘Earth Rebirth’ featuring Thierry Durieux’ designs of water features, lights, and furniture. The staff and owner of Kalimantan Creations will make sure that the performers have something to eat but regrettably cannot have refreshments for everyone.
In the spirit of a Java community ceremony this wayang kulit will be conducted as a prayer. The performance on Friday 13 May 2005 will be the climax of a series of smaller ceremonies in which the members of Sekar Gedogan gamelan orchestra come together every Sunday evening after a hard day’s work in the market, to become accustomed to the repertoire and practice several musical compositions. ‘Sekar Gedhogan’ gamelan orchestra was formed by staff of Kalimantan Creations in January this year and has performed one wayang kulit ceremony with Ki Bramantyo Prijosusilo in London’s West End.
A synopsis of the story and the structure of the play will be published later on www.kalimantancreations.co.uk. In the story there is a lot of mention of blood and violence, rape and pillage and death, and a lot of foul deeds and language. Traditionally this sacred story is suitable for all ages but parental guidance would be the modern rating of this performance.
Contact: Timothy Seekings, Press Officer for Wayang Kulit Ceremony
Email: timothyseekings@web.de
Mobile: 078 6329 7010.
