An introduction to wayang kulit Cirebon

This article introduces the Cirebon tradition of wayang kulit, a form of shadow puppetry regarded as the region’s most prestigious performance art. It discusses the spiritual, philosophical, and musical responsibilities of the dalang, as well as the historical evolution of wayang under Islamic influence. Special attention is given to the unique musical features accompanying Cirebon wayang, including the archaic gendèr, kemanak, and the extended talu introduction. The article also outlines Cirebon’s distinctive puppet design and contextualizes the art within the broader spectrum of Javanese cultural history.