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	GAMELAN TUNAS MEKAR PERFORMS KUMBHAKARNA LINA The following is a synopsis of the Shadow Play presented by Gamelan Tunas Mekar and master dalang I Nyoman Sumandhi on April 17, 1998 in Denver Colorado and April 21, 1998 in Laramie Wyoming. Also presented on the programs were instrumental and dance pieces. Read more about Balinese Shadow Play KUMBHAKARNA LINA -THE DEATH OF KUMBHAKARNA THE CAST Characters of the Left: The Raksasa demons of the Kingdom of Alengka Rahwana: King of Alengka Kumbhakarna: younger brother of Rahwana; the largest of the Raksasas Delem: Rahwana’s chief servant Sangut: Delem’s younger brother and Kumbhakarna’s servant Characters of the Right: The Wanara - Rama and his allies Rama: Exiled prince of the Kingdom of Ayodya Laksmana: Rama’s younger brother Wibisana: Rahwana’s youngest brother, he has abandoned his brother’s cause and is now a loyal follower of Rama Hanoman: A great monkey warrior, ”Son of the Wind,” he possesses supernatural powers Sugriwa: The Monkey King whose nation borders Ayodya Twalen: Rama’s chief servant Merdah: Twalen’s son and assistant THE STORY I. PEMUNGKAH - OVERTURE The traditional opening of the shadowplay. The dalang awakens the puppets and removes them from the box. The first to appear is the Kayon, The Tree of Life. This puppet is used throughout the play to indicate changes of scene. II. RAMA’S MEETING WITH THE WANARA A lull in the invasion of Alengka; Rahwana’s armies have withdrawn from battle having lost their Minister of War, Prahasta. In their quest to free Rama’s wife, Sita, who has been kidnapped by King Rahwana, the Wanara find themselves momentarily unopposed. Rama summons his generals and commands that they remain ready to respond when the Raksasas make their next move. III. THE PALACE OF ALENGKA Rahwana has his brother, Kumbhakarna, awakened from a long sleep and demands that he assume leadership of the Alengka forces. Reluctantly, Kumbhakarna is commissioned as the Supreme Commander of the army. A message is sent out calling for offerings and ceremonies to be made to ensure Kumbhakarna’s success. IV. BATEL The battle is resumed with Kumbhakarna leading the Alengka forces. The swarming monkeys cannot contain him. Rama and Laksmana rush to the attack with their fearsome weapons. Kumbhakarna receives many mortal wounds, but continues to taunt the Wanara. At last, seeing their leader fallen, the Raksasas are defeated once again. V. DEATH OF A WARRIOR Kumbhakarna’s helpless body is found by his brother Wibisana, who is filled with sadness. Rather than permit a slow, painful death, Wibisana begs Rama to end Kumbhakarna’s life and send his soul to heaven. VI. TABUH GARI The traditional closing piece of the Wayang Kulit.   | Home | About GTM | Listen to Music | Instruments | Concerts | Bios | Shadow Play | Links | Copyright 2001-2007 Gamelan Tunas Mekar info@tunasmekar.org Created and maintained by Luminous Moon Design carolyn@luminousmoon.com