Ketoprak (kethoprak) is a Javanese folk art originating from Central Java. A form of theater that contains the main elements of dialogue, song and slapstick accompanied by gamelan.
1. Understanding
Almost the same as ludruk, ketoprak is a traditional drama that is demonstrated by an art group and held on a stage by taking stories from history, panji stories, fairy tales and others with jokes interspersed. Ketoprak appeared in the year 1922 at the time of Mangkunegaran.
art is accompanied by music from gamelan in the form of dimples, pestle, drums and flutes. Because the story or rhymes are allusions to the government or the Kingdom, the art of ketoprak is prohibited. But this folk art eventually continued to develop in the countryside / Coast.
After arriving in Yogyakarta ketoprak perfected with the accompaniment of Javanese gamelan complete with the theme of the story takes the Chronicle of history, folklore or the kingdom itself. This Ketoprak is done by several people in accordance with the needs of the story.
The characteristic of ketoprak is done with Javanese dialogue. The theme of the story in a ketoprak show varies. Usually taken from the legend or history of Java. Many stories are taken from abroad. But the theme of the story is never taken from the repertoire of epic stories (epic): Ramayana and Mahabharata. Because later the show is not ketoprak anymore but a puppet show of people.
2. History Of Ketoprak
Ketoprak is one of dozens of traditional arts that can still survive today. This art was born around 1920 in Solo, but reached its peak in Jogja around the 1950s. Originally ketoprak was a folk entertainment created by someone outside the government.
They set the stage and pretend to be Kings, Warriors, princes, princesses, and whoever they want. In its development, ketoprak Entertainment is also in demand by members of the Kingdom, and in every appearance there is always a comedian who makes ketoprak feel more alive.
Art in the presentation or performance using the Javanese language has a diverse and interesting story. Similar to the theater, this performance is filled with dialogues that bring the audience to feel the atmosphere of the “world” of Java during the reign of Kings.
The story is taken from anywhere, both from the history of the Land of Java to fantasy stories. His appearance is also always accompanied by Javanese songs inserted in some parts of the story, so it can also be spelled ketoprak on the one hand similar to operetta. The costumes and makeup adjust to the scene or play.
At first, ketoprak using the accompaniment of the sound of a mortar and pestle that is commonly used as a rice pounder. These tools give rise to sounds: prak, prak, prak, which is the origin of the word ketoprak. But now the storyline of ketoprak is accompanied by the rhythm of gamelan and keprak that is not stopping. And this is very interesting to enjoy, especially if it is a ketoprak performance that is presented with a humorous story that can invite laughter.
3. Types of Ketoprak
Some types of ketoprak include :
- Ketoprak Lesung
As the name implies, the musical instrument used in Ketoprak consists of dimples, drums, flying and flutes. The stories presented are folk stories that revolve around life in Pademangan - pademangan, when the demang discuss the problem of pest control that is plaguing their village or stories about Pak Tani and Mbok Tani in cultivating their fields.
Therefore, the costumes that are worn are like their daily condition as rural residents, coupled with a little makeup that is realist.
To perform Ketoprak dimples, 22 people are needed as many supporters, namely 15 people for players (men and women) and 7 people as musicians. In this performance there is no known special vocalist or waranggana. Vocals to accompany the music are performed together by both musicians and performers.
Ketoprak Dimple performance uses a stage in the form of an arena with a circular floor design. Until now Ketoprak dimples still retain lighting tools in the form of torches, but there are also performances Ketoprak dimples that use lights.
One of the differences between Ketoprak dimples and Ketoprak Gamelan is the presence of dance elements. At the time of entering or exiting the stage or other activities Ketoprak Lesung players do it with an improvised dance.
The length of this Dimple Ketoprak performance depends on the needs. When asked to play overnight or half a night ketoprak players will adjust to take the right play for it, but with the note that the show is only done at night.
- Ketoprak Gamelan
Although it is a further development of Ketoprak dimples but the function of this gamelan Ketoprak performance has not changed, namely as entertainment for the community, who sometimes slip lighting lighting from the government to them.
It's just that the story played in Ketoprak Gamelan is more taken from the Chronicle story about the kingdoms that ever existed, especially in Java. To perform Ketoprak required supporters of approximately 34 players, gamelan musicians, waranggana, and puppeteers.
The length of the performance for each staging reaches 7 to 8 hours, and can be done both day and night. In this Ketoprak performance, the actors are usually guided by a short script made by the puppeteer.
This script only contains guidelines on what scenes should be shown from the core and staged story. Dialogue, blocking and others the game on the stage is entirely performed by the player in an improvised manner. Ketoprak uses a musical instrument in the form of Javanese gamelan complete pelog and slendro, or slendro only.
The Ketoprak players wear costumes and makeup that are realist in accordance with the role and time when they perform. The place of performance in the form of stage-shaped stage with decorations (background) that are realist (in accordance with the location of the incident, for example in the forest, in the palace and others). And the dialogue the players spoke.
Ketoprak Gamelan can be said to be a traditional drama that usually takes a story about the kingdoms of the past. Before the main game of ketoprak begins, it is usually presented first extra performances in the form of dances that have nothing to do with the story to be played.
4. Modernization Of Ketoprak
As the era progresses, traditional cultures must be able to compromise and adapt to the present in order for them to survive. This modernization aims to ensure that Indonesian traditional culture does not become extinct.
Some of the shows on television that managed to maintain the culture of ketoprak are Ketoprak Humor, Ketoprak jokes, Ketoprak spell stress and Ketoprak play. The above television shows have been modified so that they can adapt to the present, but do not lose their essence as a traditional culture.