Question

Wayang kulit is an indonesian form of puppet-shadow theater in which intricately carved leather puppets are manipulated behind a backlit screen. using this technique to depict stories from hindu epics such as the ramayana and mahabharata, ______ which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of standard english?

Answer 1

Wayang kulit is a traditional Indonesian puppet-shadow theater where leather puppets depict stories from Hindu epics, backed by a gamelan ensemble. It's recognized by UNESCO and also seen in different forms throughout Southeast Asia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wayang kulit, an Indonesian form of puppet-shadow theater, is renowned for its intricately carved leather puppets that are skillfully maneuvered behind a backlit screen. These performances known for their grand storytelling, primarily draw their narratives from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The technique involves the manipulation of jointed shadow puppets to convey characters and actions in a narrative, often accompanied by music from a gamelan ensemble.

The tradition of wayang kulit is not only preserved in Indonesia but has also spread across Southeast Asia, seen in different forms in countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos. It carries with it a cultural significance that blends art, spirituality, and community celebration. While technological entertainment forms pose a challenge to the traditional art form, wayang kulit was recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance.

In addition to wayang kulit, there is the wayang topeng, which involves masked theater. The masks are used in dance dramas that depict scenes from epic narratives or traditional myths, adding another layer of cultural and spiritual depth to performances in Indonesia. They are not merely props, but sacred objects imbued with cultural heritage and spirituality.

Answer 2

Wayang kulit is an integral part of Indonesian culture, with performances involving singers and gamelan players that tell stories from Hindu epics. Wayang Topeng, another form of Indonesian mask theatre, is sacred and blends art with spirituality. Despite modern entertainment competition, these traditions persist as important cultural and historical practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wayang kulit, the Indonesian form of puppet-shadow theater, uses intricately carved leather puppets to tell stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This tradition has spread throughout Southeast Asia and is an essential part of Indonesian culture, as well as that of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia. In Bali, wayang kulit performances often occur from night until dawn and involve a full troupe of performers, including singers and gamelan players. However, there are concerns about the future of this art form, as it faces competition from modern entertainment sources, despite being recognized by UNESCO as a "masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity."

In addition to the shadow puppets, the mask theatre form, Wayang Topeng, also plays a significant role in Indonesian cultural practices. Performances mix spirituality and art, with masks being considered sacred objects. The topeng style exists in multiple formats, such as the solo topeng wali and the ensemble topeng panca, which include dance-dramas that often use codified gestures and set choreography.

Puppetry and masked performances across the world, from Indonesian Wayang Kulit to the Rajasthani kathputli, each carry the fingerprint of their respective cultures. They depict a wide array of characters and stories, with the performers or puppeteers activating the narrative through their craft. While the popularity of traditional forms like wayang topeng may have decreased over time, they remain an important representation of culture, history, and spiritual beliefs.