Javanese shadow puppetry at UC Davis

Experience the renowned tradition of JAVANESE SHADOW PUPPETRY, featuring a rare visit by rising young star Ki Hanggoro Murti as he brings the Ramayana epic to life with dance scenes, comic interludes, and wild battles. Musical accompaniment by master musicians Midiyanto and Heni Savitri, and gamelan ensemble Sari Raras. UC Davis, Recital Hall, Ann E. Pitzer Center  Thursday, April 17, 6 PM Free Step into the enchanting world of ancient myth, epic drama, resonant bronze, and acrobatic puppetry with Hanoman in Action, a mesmerizing and action-packed Javanese wayang kulit shadow play, with master puppeteer from Central Java, Ki Hanggoro Murti.  Under the expert musical direction of Midiyanto, and graced with the sublime vocals of Heni Savitri, Gamelan Sari Raras accompanies the youthful energy and excitement of Java’s rising star puppeteer with the rich gong reverberations and compelling percussion of the traditional Javanese gamelan orchestra.  A graduate of the Indonesian Art Institute where he studied the art of traditional Javanese shadow puppetry, Ki Hanggoro Murti brings to life the epic Ramayana story with fiery puppet battles featuring the beloved Hanoman white monkey king.  Children and adults alike enjoy the Javanese tradition of moving around the performance space to view the show from multiple angles: in front of the screen to see puppets moving magically as intricately layered shadows, and alternately viewing the expert manipulations of the puppeteer and gamelan orchestra from behind the screen.  Ki Hanggoro Murti’s performance of this timeless art form with Gamelan Sari Raras promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Java’s artistic and philosophical heritage.  Additional performances: UC Berkeley, Hertz Hall; Sunday, April 13, 7:30 PM; General public: $16; Seniors, faculty/staff, non-UCB students, groups 10+: $12; UCB Students, Children: $5 Indonesia & India in California Festival; April 19, 11:30 AM; Crowden Music School, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley; Free San Francisco International Arts Festival; May 11, 7pm; Community Music Center, 544 Capp Street, San Francisco; Advance: $25, Door: $28 Sample Video:  https://youtu.be/nN4kTeJhuow [https://youtu.be/nN4kTeJhuow] - Ki Midiyanto with Gamelan Sari Raras https://youtu.be/vyLZ4u9T9jM [https://youtu.be/vyLZ4u9T9jM] - Ki Hanggoro Murti fight scene Sample Audio:  Gamelan Sari Raras with Ki Midiyanto ft singer Heni Savitri April 28, 2018 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ifrx43dYQpN9wPys28ElDLB4UKSZcQ2B/viewusp=share_link [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ifrx43dYQpN9wPys28ElDLB4UKSZcQ2B/view?usp=share_link] More info:  https://midiyanto.weebly.com [https://midiyanto.weebly.com] Mailing list signup:  https://mailchi.mp/459ccaf93693/sari-raras [https://mailchi.mp/459ccaf93693/sari-raras]