Contemporary Wayang Beber: Transformative Narration in the Discourse of Philosophy and Society

Abstract

Wayang Beber is one of Indonesia's cultural legacies. Wayang Beber, once a performance used for rituals, village cleansing, healing the sick, and special occasions in Java, has faced various setbacks in terms of presentation and has garnered less interest from certain segments of society. Data collection involved visiting contemporary Wayang Beber artists, conducting in-depth interviews, and observing contemporary Wayang Beber performances. The process involved summarizing and selecting key points, documenting, and focusing on important aspects of contemporary Wayang Beber performances in the modern era. Contemporary Wayang Beber revitalizes the traditional art form by reintroducing it through performing arts, incorporating dance, and collaborating with artists from Japan. The performances are simplified, shorter, and more entertaining, use modern lighting, feature new characters, and adapt stories that address current popular issues while retaining classic narratives. This research is significant as Wayang Beber is a cultural heritage that deserves to be reintroduced to the wider public. By doing so, the decline of Wayang Beber's performance can be prevented, ensuring its longevity and growth.