Sendratari Wayang: Anoman, The Envoy

 26 and 27 October 2002

A Wayang Sendratari, combining shadow puppets, classical Javanese dance, contemporary dance and martial arts. Part of the Dusshera Festival of Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

The story

The scene is set in the kingdom of Guwa Kiskenda, a forest kingdom of monkeys and apes, ruled by the wise ape-king Sugriwa. Rama grieves for Sinta, who has been abducted by the evil Rahwana, king of Alengka, and taken to his island nation of ogres and giants. Rama sends Hanoman, the great white ape, to Alengka as Rama’s envoy, entrusting him with his signet ring to give to Sinta. The ring is a sign of Rama’s devotion, and it has a magical property too. If Sinta wears it, and it still shines clear and true, that means she has remained faithful in her love. Hanoman departs. On his way he is attacked by two giant sea monsters, but slays them.

The scene changes to the women’s quarters of the palace of Alengka. Hanoman arrives, bearing Rama’s signet ring, and tells Sinta that Rama is determined to free her from the clutches of Rahwana. He gives her the signet ring as a sign of his devotion. Trijata and Hanoman flirt with each other, and Hanoman promises that when the time comes to wage war on Alengka, he will not forget her.

As Hanoman departs, he attracts the attention of the ogre-army of Alengka. He is captured, bound to a funeral pyre and set ablaze in the town square. All seems lost but Hanoman regains his strength and bursts his bonds. On a rampage, he burns down half the capital with his fiery tail. Hanoman returns to Guwa Kiskenda to report to Rama. Hanoman tells Rama that Sinta is alive and well, and that the forces of Alengka, though formidable indeed, can be defeated with perseverance and faith.

Gamelan Naga Mas

Signy Jakobsdottir
Jon Keliehor
Matthew Issac Cohen
Aviva Kartiningsih Cohen
Sophie Pragnell
Mary Anne Carroll
Martin Sewell
Hooi Ling Eng
Dania Soedibyo
Raymond Carstairs
Katherine Waumsley
Chris Hladowski

Dancers and puppeters

Hanoman - Joko Susilo
Sita - Aviva Kartiningsih Cohen
Trijata - Pudji Astuti Jansen
Buta of Alengka - David Salter, Jeanne Madic, Christoph Meneghetti, Rory Dalziel, Mary Johnson

Credits

Director Joko Susilo
Puppetry by Joko Susilo and Matthew Isaac Cohen
Musical director Joko Susilo
Script Matthew Isaac Cohen, based on traditions of the Ramayana
Production Luminous Music
Stage Manager Rachel Patto