How is the performing body shaped by history, tradition, and politics? Following a pre-conference workshop led by renowned practitioner and guardian of the form, Pujiyani, this work demonstration presents a performance inquiry into Wayang Wong. Centered around a specific scene inspired by historical stories from the Babad Tanah Jawi (The Chronicle of Java), the session showcases the live transmission and embodiment of tembang (song) and tandang (movement) elements.

In this presentation, the master teacher and participants unpack the rigorous training process to reveal the performing body as a dynamic cultural archive. By laying bare the mechanics of the form, the demonstration illustrates how the body stores and negotiates deep-seated memories of value systems, power relations, leadership concepts, ethics, and socio-cultural practices. More than a showcase of traditional technique, this session offers an analytical and embodied reflection on how classical forms survive, adapt, and speak to contemporary realities through the bodies of modern practitioners.

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This session will be conducted in Bahasa Indonesia, with English translation provided by Lyn Hanis.

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Pujiyani will conduct a pre-conference workshop from 23 to 26 Nov at Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI). Registration is required.