Performing Arts:
Punakawan : Clowns of the Wayang Kulit Purwa
The clown-servants (or punakawan) who wait on the heroes and villains of the original shadow-puppet play, are portrayed as grotesquely misshapen figures. A number of punakawan can be found serving both good and evil characters. The most famous of the clowns are Semar and his supposed sons, Gareng, Petruk and Bagong, all of who are servants to good characters in the wayang.
The punakawan are extremely popular with both young and old audiences as they provide entertainment with their puns, practical jokes, slapstick humour, sly insinuations and clowning. In addition to their provision of comic relief, the punakawan speak words of wisdom to their masters, advising them on many issues and challenges that they are about to face. Being self-conscious characters, the clowns play an important role in all wayang as a constant reference to, and reminder of, the present, outside of the narrated story.
Semar is perhaps the most venerable of all the punakawan and probably the best loved in all wayang. Though a comical retainer, Semar is in fact the most powerful of all Gods in the wayang genre and on occasions Batara Guru (the Hindu god Siva) has to submit to him. Semar is portrayed as being immensely fat, with heavy breasts and an enormous derriere. He is decorated like a woman but dressed as a man which gives him an ambiguous identity, heightening the mystical quality of his character. He is the repository of great wisdom, and entertains through his gentle jokes and, well, persistent farting.
Gareng is often regarded as the elder son of Semar. He is a deformed dwarf with crooked and disjointed arms, and has yaw sores on his feet. He specialises in puns and sly insinuations. Petruk, the second son of Semar, is easily recognised by his tall and scrawny build. He has a large, predatory mouth and a long nose. He provides constant laughter with his practical jokes and comic horseplay.
Bagong is perhaps the least known of Semar's son. He is most often seen appearing with Semar in West Javanese wayang performances, while the trio of Semar, Gareng and Petruk is more popular in Central and East Java. Bagong is depicted as having a bald head, a bulging belly and behind, and virtually non-existing nose. He is notable for his impervious stupidity and deep slow voice.
by Sian Jay
Heritage Home
Editions Didier Millet All material is copyright Editions Didier Millet. Nothing on this website may be reproduced or used without the express written consent of Editions Didier Millet. Please direct all enquiries to edm@pacific.net.sg.