Wayang: Javanese Shadow Puppet Play and Music

Date: Sunday, December 13th, 2026

Doors: 3:00PM

Showtime: 4:00PM

Tickets:

FREE ADMISSION | RSVP BELOW

About:

Experience the mesmerizing world of Wayang Kulit, the centuries-old Javanese art of shadow puppetry, in a rare four-hour drop-in-as-you-like performance presented by Friends of the Gamelan (FROG). Nearly 20 years after FROG’s last wayang performance in Chicago, this special presentation brings together FROG's Javanese ensemble and an extraordinary group of master artists from Java for The Clash of Gathutkaca and Boma, a dramatic tale drawn from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.

Master dhalang (puppeteer) Ki Midiyanto brings intricately carved leather puppets to life against a glowing screen, transforming shadow into an epic tale of power, pride, duty, and honor. He is joined by master musicians Wakidi Dwidjomartono and Darsono Hadiraharjo and world-renowned vocalists Heni Savitri and Peni Candra Rini, with live translation and contextualization by wayang scholar Kathryn Emerson.

While wayang performances in Java can unfold for eight hours, this extraordinary four-hour presentation offers Chicago audiences a rare opportunity to experience the music, storytelling, philosophy, and humor of this living tradition, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

About Friends of the Gamelan:

Founded in 1980, Friends of the Gamelan (FROG) invites Chicago to experience the rich musical heritage of Indonesia. FROG’s two ensembles are dedicated to Javanese and Balinese gamelan music and dance, sharing these traditions through performances, weekly instruction, and hands-on workshops. Learn more at www.chicagogamelan.org and follow @chicagogamelan