Wayang in Jaman Now: Reflexive Traditionalization and Local, National and Global Networks of Javanese Shadow Puppet Theatre

• Published in: Theatre research international Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 40 - 57
• Main Author: COHEN, MATTHEW ISAAC
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.03.2019
• Subjects: Asian culture; Collaboration; Comprehension; Cultural heritage; Digital media; Javanese; Linguistic complexity; Musicians & conductors; Puppetry; Reflexivity; Social media; Social networks; Theater; Theater studies; Traditions; Asia; Indonesia
• ISSN: 0307-8833; 1474-0672
• DOI: 10.1017/S0307883318000834

Doomsayers and traditionalists prognosticate that the dominance of digital media spells the end of traditional arts in Java, Indonesia. Wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre), while still highly regarded as theatrical heritage, is said to be under particular threat due to the long duration of its plays, complexity of language and the need for prior knowledge of characters and situations. Such features are at odds with the short attention spans and need for instant comprehension and gratification of Gen Z – the youth referred to in Indonesian media as inhabiting jaman now (literally the ‘era of now’). While digital social media, including Facebook and YouTube, definitely offer up alternative forms of entertainment and amusement, they are also being used by traditional puppet practitioners to reinforce and expand communities of practice. Facebook provides platforms for comparative discussion and critical debate, while YouTube potentiates the inclusion of a geographically dispersed audience, including overseas workers.