Ngesti Pandawa

Ngesti Pandawa is an Indonesian wayang wong, or traditional human puppet theatre, performance troupe based in Semarang, Central Java. The troupe performs at the Ki Narto Sabdho Hall, located within the Raden Saleh Cultural Park (Taman Budaya Raden Saleh) on Jalan Sriwijaya 29. [citation needed]

Along with Wayang Orang Sriwedari in Taman Sriwedari, Surakarta, and Wayang Orang Bharata in Jakarta, Ngesti Pandawa is one of the three remaining traditional wayang wong troupes in Indonesia. [citation needed]

Ngesti Pandawa was founded in Madiun by Sastro Sabdo on July 2, 1937, with the aim to revive the art of wayang wong panggung. This form of wayang play is performed by human actors on a proscenium stage. Wayang wong panggung blends the practice of wayang wong, that is traditionally performed in the pendhapa—the spacious open hall of Javanese stately mansions—rather than on a stage, and Western theater.^a The first wayang wong panggung troupe was established in 1895 by Gan Kan, a Chinese entrepreneur from Surakarta (Solo). Sastro Sabdo's mission was supported by Sastro Sudirdjo, Narto Sabdo, Darso Sabdo, and Kusni.

Since its founding, wayang wong Ngesti Pandawa has performed for diverse audiences, including members of the Javanese, Dutch, and Chinese communities.However, due political situation that happened in Madiun during 1937 to 1953, the troupe had to move to continue its performance. Finally, they managed to relocate to Semarang. However, it was not until 1954 when Hadi Subeno Sosrowerdojo gave permission to the group to use Gedung Rakyat Indonesia Semarang (GRIS) building at Jalan Pemuda 116, that the troupe could finally perform regularly.

From the 1960s to the 1970s, the troupe was directed by Sastro Sabdo and Narto Sabdo, who worked together with Ki Nartosabdho to create gending-gendingan for the performance. Elements such as its theatrical scenery, musical accompaniment, costumes, choreography, and stage effects have influenced other wayang orang groups.^c

The troupe has performed for President Sukarno. After the eruption of Mount Merapi in 1953, Ngesti Pandawa raised funds for the victims. President Sukarno invited Ngesti Pandawa to perform at the Istana Merdeka (Merdeka Palace) in Jakarta and the Istana Negara (State Palace) in Bogor. In 1962, Ngesti Pandawa received the Wijayakusuma Award from the President.^[1]

In 1994, the local government sold the GRIS building, making Ngesti Pandawa had to relocate to the Taman Raden Saleh Cultural Complex for two years. In 1996, the troupe moved to the Majapahit Amusement Park and formed the Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandawa Foundation. In 2001, the local government allowed Ngesti Pandawa to use a hall at the Taman Raden Saleh cultural complex, where it performs three days a week, with regular performances on Saturday evenings starting at 8 pm.^[2]

Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandawa continues to perform stories from its repertoire every Saturday evening. It uses social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, eAskme, and YouTube, as well as its website, to connect with the community and tourists.^[3][4]

In addition to its regular performances in Semarang, Ngesti Pandawa has also performed in cities such as Sukoharjo, Jepara, Solo, and Jakarta.^[5][6][7] The group also performs for students and institutions to introduce wayang orang to wider audiences.^[8]

Masdiana Safitri, head of Semarang City's Culture and Tourism Office, has pledged to renovate the Ngesti Pandawa venue to enhance its condition for visitors.^[2]

a. ^ Rustopo, 2007

b. ^ Mumpuni, 1986

c. ^ Rinardi, 2002

d. ^ Moehadi, 1987

• Perkumpulan Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandowo (1937-2001): Studi Tentang Manajemen Seni Pertunjukan
• Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandowo 2001-2015: Kajian tentang Manajemen Senin Pertunjukan
• Pola Pewarisan Pemain Wanita Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandawa Semarang

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