Sumunar Gamelan Ensemble. Photo: Ray Mailoof.
Midiyanto, shadow puppeteer.
Petruk, a wayang character. Image: Midiyanto.
Wayang kulit is a beloved and ancient Javanese art form using shadow puppets to cast stories of adventure, wisdom, and comedy. To bring you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a wayang kulit performance in its traditional all-night format, Sumunar is flying in guest artists from Indonesia and across the US. In the story Bimo Gugah, a hero discovers that the volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and drought destroying his country are the result of corrupt leaders. Amidst the climate chaos, people are hungry for change—can Bimo save the day? Master puppeteer Midiyanto, musicians I. M. Harjito and Heni Savitri, and dancer Wisnu Aji Settyo Wicaksono join the Sumunar Gamelan and Dance Ensembles under the direction of Joko and Tri Sutrisno. Join us under the stars for an Indonesian tradition you won’t want to miss!
Sumunar Gamelan and Dance Ensembles are dedicated to performing traditional and contemporary music and dance from Indonesia. They focus primarily on the traditions of central Java, but perform many forms of Indonesian music and dance. The gamelan ensemble is directed by Joko Sutrisno and the dance ensemble by Tri Sutrisno.
The word Sumunar means a glowing, radiant light that illuminates and warms the soul. Sumunar Indonesian music and dance promotes understanding of and appreciation for Indonesian music, dance, and culture through education and performance, with community classes in Javanese gamelan and dance; school residencies that teach traditional music, dance, and puppetry; and public performances.
Joko Sutrisno and Tri Sutrisno, Directors
Midiyanto, Dhalang
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.