PERFORMING ART : KETOPRAK

 

Ketoprak is a form of traditional performing art originating from Central Java, especially the city of Surakarta. 

This art displays legendary, historical or fictional stories related to Javanese culture, accompanied by gamelan music and dialogue in Javanese. Ketoprak is also known as Kêthoprak Mataram, because much of it takes its background from the Islamic Mataram Kingdom. 

This art has distinctive characteristics such as costumes, make-up, props and movements that are typical of Java. Ketoprak also often inserts elements of humor, satire or social criticism in its stories. 

The history of Ketoprak art cannot be accurately confirmed, but there are several versions circulating. 

One version says that Ketoprak art comes from a game played by village girls when the moon is full. 

They play by rhythmically hitting the mortar (a place for pounding rice), while singing Javanese songs. This game then developed into a performance involving acting, dialogue and gamelan accompaniment. 

Another version says that Ketoprak art originated from wayang orang performances which were simplified and modified by Ki Nartosabdho, a famous artist and puppeteer from Surakarta. He created Ketoprak art as a form of popular entertainment that is easy to understand and likes. The contents of Ketoprak's stories are very diverse, but generally tell stories about the lives of Javanese people in the past. Some examples of stories that are often performed are: 

Panji Story, which tells the love story between Raden Inu Kertapati and Dewi Sekartaji, who were separated due to political conflict and had to face various obstacles before being reunited. 

The story of the Babad Tanah Jawa, which tells the history of the development of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, starting from its founder, Panembahan Senopati, until its collapse due to the Giyanti agreement. 

The story of Sampek Engtay, which tells the tragic love story between Sampek and Engtay, two young people from China, who were forced to be separated by their families because of differences in social class. 

Legend Stories, which tell folk tales that contain moral messages, such as the Legend of Roro Jonggrang, the Legend of Sangkuriang, the Legend of Jaka Tarub, and others. 

Ketoprak is a cultural heritage that should be preserved and developed. This art not only entertains, but also educates and inspires the audience. Ketoprak art is also a medium for preserving Javanese language, art and culture. 

Ketoprak can also be a means of criticizing and reflecting on social conditions that exist in society. That is a brief explanation of Ketoprak Performing Art. 

Hopefully this is useful and adds to your insight.