Modifikasi Jalan Cerita Wayang Orang dalam Membangun Pemahaman Masyarakat

Abstract

This study examines the role of storyline modification in wayang orang performances as both a cultural preservation strategy and a medium of social communication in the modern era. The subject of this research is Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandowo, which is rooted in the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and has undergone various adaptations, such as plot simplification, the use of everyday language, the incorporation of contemporary issues, and the emphasis on Punakawan characters. These modifications are carried out to address the challenges of declining interest among younger generations and the public’s need for educational and relevant entertainment. The research method applied is qualitative, using a literature study and performance observation approach. The findings reveal that storyline modifications enhance public understanding of Javanese moral, social, and cultural values through more communicative and contextual means. Furthermore, the adaptation of stories enables wayang orang to serve as a medium for social critique, character education, and reflection on modern societal issues. However, the study also highlights the potential risk of losing philosophical depth if modifications are made excessively without regard to traditional pakem (classical conventions). Thus, storyline modification plays a crucial role as a bridge between tradition and modernity, as well as a strategy to foster intergenerational understanding of the nation’s cultural values.

Keywords: Wayang orang, storyline modification, public understanding, Javanese culture, cultural communication.