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The dhalang or dalang (Javanese: dhalang; Indonesian: dalang) is the puppeteer in an Indonesian wayang performance. In a performance of wayang kulit, the dalang sits behind a screen (kelir) made of white cotton stretched on a wooden frame.
A dalang is the head of his troupe who gives performances sponsored by patrons. He (or she) hires some or all the musicians who will accompany the performance directed by the dalang ‘s verbal and sound cues.
Wayang is the traditional puppet theatre of Indonesia. [ 14 ][ 2 ][ 5 ] It is an ancient form of storytelling known for its elaborate puppets and complex musical styles. [ 15 ] The earliest evidence of wayang comes from medieval-era texts and archeological sites dating from late 1st millennium CE.
Wayang kulit is one of the many different forms of wayang theatre found in Indonesia; the others include wayang beber, wayang klitik, wayang golek, wayang topeng, and wayang wong. Wayang kulit is among the best known, offering a unique combination of ritual, lesson and entertainment.
As the central artist of wayang kulit, the dhalang really makes the wayang and the performance come alive. He (commonly, but not exclusively male) manipulates every character, conducts the gamelan orchestra, and sometimes makes puppets or designs them.
Another example of such changes is in the depiction of Durna (Dorna), the teacher of the Pandavas, who is a Hindu religious figure and a great hero in India. On Java, however, he is depicted (probably in an effort by Muslims to discredit Hindu clerics) as a meddlesome poseur.
15 paź 2023 · The puppeteer, known as the dalang, is not only responsible for manipulating the puppets but also for providing the voices and narrating the story. The dalang is a highly skilled performer who must have a deep understanding of the narratives and the ability to improvise and engage with the audience.
