Drama Gong, Traditional Theatre From Bali

HISTORY OF CULTURE | Drama Gong, Traditional Theatre From Bali | Drama Gong is a form of performing arts of Bali are still relatively young age created by combining elements of modern drama (non traditional Balinese) with elements of traditional Balinese arts. In many ways Drama Gong is a blending of elements of modern theater (West) with a traditional theater (Bali).

Drama Gong name given to this art because in the play each player movement and dramatic mood shift accompanied by Gamelan Gong (Gong Kebyar). Drama Gong was created around 1966 by Anak Agung Gede Raka Payadnya from the village Abianbase (Herzliya). Recognized by the creator that created the Drama Gong combines elements of traditional Balinese dance dramas such as ballet, Arja, Prembon and intended as a prembon Theatre (artistic mixture).

The elements of a modern theater that mated in Drama Gong, among others:

• Layout decoration
• The use of sound-effect
• Acting
• Fashion

Because of the dominance and influence of classical or traditional Balinese art is still so strong, then the Drama Gong was originally called "classic drama". Are I Gusti Bagus Nyoman Bannerman who then gave a new name (Drama Gong) to the arts is based on two standard elements (drama and gamelan gong) of this art. It is noteworthy that before the advent of Drama Gong in Bali has no Janger drama, a drama that is part art of dance performances Janger. In many ways, very similar to the drama Janger Theatre or Stambul that exist about the year 1950.

Drama Gong is a drama which in general show-act play which is based on romantic stories like the story Bannerman (malate), a story Sampik Ingtai and other similar stories including those from outside the cultural environment of Bali. In bringing this act, the players Drama Gong did not dance but act realistically with verbal dialogues that speak Balinese.

The important actors of the Drama Gong is:

1. King sweet
2. King buduh
3. Princess sweet
4. Princess buduh
5. The old king
6. Empress
7. Dayang-in-waiting
8. Patih hard
9. Patih old
10. Two pairs of clown-servants

The players wear traditional Balinese, according to the level of social status of the role that was delivered and every move the player, as well as dramatic changes in the atmosphere of the play accompanied by a change in the rhythm of the gamelan gong kebyar. The Balinese Drama Gong staged for the purposes of connection with religious ceremonies and social activities and interests. Nevertheless, Drama Gong including secular art that can be performed where and whenever appropriate. Art Drama Gong is starting the tradition of the show  in Bali because of previous art show for local people never existed as a commercial.

Drama Gong began to flourish in Bali around 1967 and the peak of its power is tahun1970. At that time Balinese traditional arts such as Arja, Mask and others left by the audience which began fondness Drama Gong. Large platforms that had a subscription Arja suddenly taken over by the Drama Gong. But since the mid 1980's this art began to decline in popularity, now there are about 6 pieces Sekaa Drama Gong is still active.

Sekaa - Sekaa Drama Gong is meant, among others are:

• Drama Gong Star East Bali
• Drama Gong Bali Cultural Ambassadors
• Drama Gong Arts Council
• Drama Gong Dwipa Sancaya.  And others

Finally came the Reformation Drama Gong is supported by the drama stars Gong from different regions of Bali.