The Tale of Dewa Ruci

CERDAS Foundation presents “The Tale of Dewa Ruci” with Dalang Ki Midiyanto & Gamelan Pacifica, October 20th, 2012, at 7:00-9:00 PM in Kane Hall, Room 130, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-3095.

The “Tale of Dewa Ruci” is a genuine Javanese story based on the epic Mahabharata. It tells the story of Bima --one of the Pandawa brothers, in his quest for the essence of holy knowledge. This mystical journey brings him to the South Sea, an isolated place with terrifying waves. In the deep of the ocean, Bima finally meets Dewa Ruci, the thumb-sized Lord who turns out to be an incarnation of his own spirit. The encounter between the two will be brought alive on the Javanese Wayang Kulit (puppet theater) stage by the talented dalang (puppet master) Ki Midiyanto, accompanied by traditional music from Gamelan Pacifica.

Wayang Kulit Art Form

Wayang Kulit is a type of puppet theater from Java, Indonesia. The puppets –made from leather – are gilded and painted to represent gods, kings, warriors, hermits, ogres, and clowns. The puppets are projected to cast shadows onto a screen lit from behind. The puppet master (dalang) sits behind the screen to perform the acts and supplies the voices for all of the characters. The performance is accompanied by live music from a Javanese gamelan orchestra and a singer called the sinden. The gamelan is an ensemble of traditional Javanese instruments featuring a variety of metallophones, xylophones, drums, gongs, bamboo flutes, and bowed and plucked strings.

Tickets

Tickets for the performance are $20 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets or by calling the CERDAS Foundation representative at 425-770-0037.