1.
What function do wayang performances serve in
Java? Does the contemporary emphasis on singing and clown scenes aid or detract
from the effectiveness of wayang?
Wayang performances serve social and political functions in
Java. As described in the articles, wayang is used as a way to subvert the
hegemonic ideologies of the ruling class. As Clark noted, performances are
particularly effective as means for social and political critique due to the
absence of other means of expression. Using a popular art form allows the
underlying social and political messages to reach a wide audience. This idea
reminds me of how music is sometimes used to convey social or political
messages to certain audiences in our own culture. Music is also typically created for a very specific target audience, to whom the messages in the music are most relevant. Although the target audience
of wayang is the middle class, characters in the performances represent the
elite. By portraying kings and queens in comical ways, the performances poke fun
at them and serve as critiques of the ruling elite. Clark also noted the
importance of wayang performance in the fight for freedom of artistic
expression and efforts to counter censorship in Indonesia.
I think the contemporary emphasis on singing and clown
scenes can enhance the social and political aspects of the performances while
serving as an additional element of entertainment for the audience. I think the
contemporary emphasis can help wayang reach new and changing audiences and
ensure that it remains appealing to younger generations. Although maintaining
some traditional aspects of any art form is important, adding contemporary
aspects can help an art form remain relevant and entertaining to a wider audience.
-Jenna Barclay
Music is a great example of how government can use a song to support their message while "the people" can take that same song to be supporting something completely different! Take the songs that polical parties use as "theme songs"- sometimes the message is completely different than how that song was first received!
ReplyDeleteAngela Thurman
I think it's important to note that the wayang -- like popular music in the US -- can be used to subvert the dominant culture, but it isn't always used that way. In the last (and longest article) there are some strong examples of how wayang is used to support regimes or to refrain from engaging current events all together.
ReplyDeleteTo extend this essay, I'd love to see you draw out this parallel between US pop music and the wayang by picking out a few specific examples of songs that self-consciously or accidentally support a particular political point of view. When we think of music or puppet shows as being a way to sway public opinion on political issues, then what sort of responsibilities and/or privileges go along with being a musician or puppeteer?
The Beatles "Imagine"- anti war...Phil Collins "Another Day in Paradise"- social activism...U2 "Sunday, Bloody Sunday"- injustice
ReplyDeleteThese are just off the top of my head- there are so many songs that can be interpreted to be a call for social justice, for political activism, for policy change- sometimes the songs are taken at face value as entertainment but I do think that in some countries, politicians recognize the power of music and some of these songs would probably be banned.
Musicians can accept their "power" and write songs that have a message and then promote that message (U2 does this well) or they can just put the songs out there and let the chips fall where they may.
Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" mos def needs to be on this list. :) There are also musicians whose art is dedicated almost solely to this- Ben Harper's music for example.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the Javanese government think of all this? Surely they know that censorship is at times being subverted in this capacity. Is it ignore because the same performance style is also used to reify the standing political message?
- Hailey Drescher
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ReplyDeleteGoing off what Kelly was discussing- I think its important to note that music plays a large part within our mediated culture. As a performer in the public eye (such as a musicians and puppeteer/actor), you have a privileged voice within our society. These performers have access to larger audiences and more influence public ideals. Unfortunately, this also means that this type of entertainment has more responsibility in their message.
ReplyDeleteMiranda