Langen Mandra Wanara

Langen Mandra Vanara is one form of dance dramas of Java that use the classical tradition of dance material Yogyakarta style. Dance drama depicting the many Vanara (monkey) and serves as entertainment is a development of dance drama that already exist, which is sourced from Langendriya Fiber Damarwulan. Both Langendriya and Langen Mandra Vanara, presented in the form of dance with the position jengkeng or jongkok accompanied by a form of dialogue macapat tembang. The difference, which is well developed, is a play that brought. If seashell brought in dance drama Langendriya sourced from another story, then Langen Mandra Vanara derived from the Ramayana story, such as: Vali Lena, Senggana Ambassador, Ravana Autumn, and so forth.

It is said that dance drama Vanara Langen Mandra has existed, and even experienced the glory during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwana VI. At that time every night in the palace there are always activities "gladen" dance or musical, except during Ramadan because this month is considered as the holy month, which is temporarily removed (discontinued). And, as his successor was reading in the Chronicle fiber macapat tembang content is about the characters Chronicle with all services and the role his example.

Given that every month of Ramadhan which read Chronicle fiber is only one, the KRT has the idea that Purwodiningrat fiber Chronicle pembacaaan done by some people. Thus, each person serves as a character in a story in the Chronicle. The idea was well received because it feels more lively reading, and each reader can live the Chronicle story and gives a characterization of the figures he read. Then, the idea is combined with the idea of Prince Mangkubumi, namely the use of appropriate costumes with character read. Actors sitting position facing each other. When one actor gets a turn to read, then that person squatting forward with the road. Further development is accompanied by dance.

Around the mid-20th century, the dance drama called Langen Mandra Vanara less desirable by the Sutresna. They feel that dancing, walking in the squatting position is very difficult to master. However, the advice of Prof. Dr. Priyono, minister of Education and Culture at that time, Langen Mandra Vanara been intensified and restructured by C. Hardjasubrata. Langen Mandra Vanara new assembly is not all dance in the position set forth "jengkeng", but there are parts that do with standing. In addition, the work Patih Danurejo VII (Langen Mandra Vanara) which was originally all male perpetrators, even the female roles were performed by men, now the role of women conducted by women.

Players, Venues and Equipment

To be able to perform Langen Mandra Vanara require around 45 people consisting of 30 players, 13 people gamelan players, one person waranggana or sinden, and one puppeteer. Function as a regulator of the mastermind is selling and helping the actors in telling the story by mysticism (monologue). Costumes and make-up used during the show followed the leather puppet patron.

Performing Langen Mandra Vanara usually held during the ceremonies there, such as marriage and the days of others. Shows that approximately seven-hour time-consuming is done at night and usually located in the pavilion with petromaks lamp lighting or electricity. Performing Langen Vanara Mandro usually equipped with a complete Javanese gamelan music (pelog and selendro).