Examining the Ramayana Epic in the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet

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Footage Nusantara - Usually, traditional dance performances are identical to boring, but it is different from Sendratari Ramayana Ballet. This performance tells the story of the romance of Rama and Shinta which is full of struggle. Sendratari Ramayana is an art performance that tells the story of Dewi Sinta and also Rama Wijaya. Where this story is told in the form of a semi-drama dance without dialogue. Visitors who watch this performance can get a general picture related to the story of Rama and Sinta which is wrapped in a very hypnotic art form.

This performance only takes place at night in the open stage area of ​​the Prambanan Temple area. There are also those that are staged indoors, namely in the Gazebo Garden. Unlike the usual dance performances, Sendratari Ramayana Ballet Prambanan is a combination of drama and dance. However, what is unique is that the players do not have dialogue. Therefore, you have to pay attention to the dancers' movements to find out the storyline.

The story told through this performance is Sri Rama's efforts to save Dewi Shinta from the hands of Rahwana. This story comes from India. However, because it was very popular and engraved on the walls of the temple, the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet was finally made. Former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Ir. Soekarno once watched this performance with Charlie Chaplin!

This ballet is also performed in other countries that have Hindus. However, the difference lies in the beautiful temple background. The lights that highlight the temple will change according to the scenes in the Ramayana ballet. You will also be treated to a beautiful dance performance with acrobatic attractions that are quite heart-pounding. Because there are many scenes in the story that use fire. Like when Dewi Shinta burned herself or when the scene of Anoman burning the Alengka kingdom. Guaranteed for 2 hours you will be amazed. Not to mention all the scenes are accompanied by lively gamelan music.

The Ramayana Ballet was first performed at Prambanan Temple in 1961 on the initiative of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta at that time. The main purpose of this performance is to promote Indonesian culture, especially Javanese culture, to the international world. With the magnificent backdrop of Prambanan Temple, this performance has succeeded in attracting the attention of domestic and foreign tourists.

The open stage area used as a venue for the performance is very large. Its capacity can accommodate up to 3000 spectators. The stage itself measures 14 m x 50 m. However, this area is only used during the dry season. If it is the rainy season, the dance drama is performed on the closed stage of the Trimurti Building.

The performance schedule is carried out 3 times a week. Namely Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In each performance, the tickets sold are always sold out quickly. Therefore, if you want to watch, make sure you come early. While waiting, you can walk around to see the scenery of Prambanan Temple.