Click here to watch part one of this performance, and here for part two. In 2012, Asia Society presented a wayang kulit performance by Ki Purbo Asmoro. It is one of the great art forms as it combines ancient stories, mystical mantras, and topical commentary. The gamelan orchestra is comprised of between 20 and 40 musicians and is made up of bronze instruments - gongs, metalaphones, strings, and vocals. Javanese shadow puppetry involves distinctive puppets that are art works in themselves. What are some of the distinctive features of a performance that differentiate it from other forms of puppetry? A good dhalang is indeed a celebrity who commands a high fee and can perform in front of audiences as large as 6 or 7,000 people. It is one of the most complete art forms, with everything in the hands of the dhalang. Wayang kulit combines deep spiritual meaning, entertaining storytelling, extraordinary musicality (both in the gamelan and vocals), deep philosophical messages, current political commentary, and bawdy humor. It is usually performed in an eight to nine hour performance that goes all night. Shadow puppetry has been popular in various parts of the world, including China, India, and Turkey, but it has reached an extraordinary level in Java. How popular is Wayang Kulit as an art form today? Has the form had an influence beyond Indonesia? In advance of Asia Society's presentation of wayang kulit on Saturday, we spoke to Rachel Cooper, Asia Society's director of Global Performing Arts and Special Cultural Initiatives, about this unique art form. New York time for a free live video webcast. Can’t make it to this program? Tune in Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m.
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