Sendratari Ramayana Prambanan, the Javanese Ballet with an Indian Roots

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Sendratari Ramayana Prambanan is an Epic performance that tells the story of the Ramayana. For foreign tourists, this show is better known as the Ramayana Ballet because of its similarity to the concept of classical European ballet.

The actors at Sendratari. via Instagram/photografy_project

This show is spectacular especially if it is held in an outdoor amphitheater against the backdrop of the magnificent Prambanan Temple. This show has been going on since 1961 and still continues to be a routine agenda.

The Show

The show. via Instagram/bianbiancabian

Sendratari is an abbreviation in Indonesian which means drama and dance art. In essence, Ramayana Prambanan is a show that combines dance and drama to tell a story without using any dialogue. Although it is a held in a full Javanese traditional concept, over time, various modern properties such as lighting displays and pyrotechnics were also used in this show.

Ramayana story

Rama with Hanuman. via Instagram/photografy_project

Ramayana is an Epic story in Hinduism that was adopted into Javanese culture. The story revolves around Rama’s attempt to save his wife Sinta, who was kidnapped by Rahwana, King of Alengka. In his efforts, Rama got help from Hanuman and the ape troops. In the end, Rama proved victorious with the death of Rahwana by Rama’s powerful arrow.

The story of Rama and Sinta. via Instagram/wisnuajisetyo

In this ballet at Prambanan, the Ramayana story is divided into 4 episodes. The first episode revolves around the disappearance of Dewi Sinta, the second episode tells the story of the Hanuman the messenger, the third episode is about the death of Kumbakarna, and the fourth episode tells about the Holy Fire of Dewi Sinta.

Held in two venues

The magnificent setting of the show. via instagram/
ramayanaballetprambanan

In the dry season, the Prambanan Ramayana ballet is held on an open stage with the backdrop of the magnificent Prambanan Temple. Not only can the audience witness the spectacular performances on the stage, but they can also enjoy the magnificent landscapes including the stars of their heads. In the rainy season, ballet is held on the Trimurti indoor stage.

Spectacular

A scene in the show. via Instagram/pakririn

Ramayana Ballet involves more than 200 professional dancers and gamelan musicians. Every show is done professionally with known schedules as well as great stage settings and chairs arrangements.

This show is held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You can see the schedule for a year on the official website of Borobudur Park so that you can easily book tickets if you plan to see it any time this year.

The ape troop. via Instagram/itsleyak

Prambanan Ramayana Ballet can be an attractive tourist destination for those who like or want to learn about Javanese culture. Ticket prices start at Rp 125,000 Rp 400,000. For students, there are special tickets for only IDR 50,000.

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Prambanan ramayana ballet Yogyakarta
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