AN ANALYSIS OF THE PERFORMANCE FORM OF WAYANG KRUCIL IN THE "DAMAR WULAN" STORY WITHIN THE MENDHAK SANGGRING TRADITION IN TLEMANG VILLAGE, NGIMBANG DISTRICT, LAMONGAN REGENCY

ANALISIS BENTUK PERFORMA WAYANG KRUCIL DALAM CERITA “DAMAR WULAN” DALAM TRADISI MENDHAK SANGGRING DI DESA TLEMANG KECAMATAN NGIMBANG KABUPATEN LAMONGAN

Abstract

This study aims to describe the performance form of wayang krucil in the Damar Wulan play within the Mendhak Sanggring tradition in Tlemang Village, Ngimbang District, Lamongan Regency. Wayang krucil is a traditional art form with significant historical and cultural value; however, its existence has gradually declined amid the development of modern culture. The Mendhak Sanggring tradition serves as a medium for preserving wayang krucil, which continues to be maintained by the people of Tlemang Village as part of their ritual practices and local cultural identity. This study employed a qualitative approach using descriptive methods. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The sources of data included puppeteers (dalang), gamelan musicians (pengrawit), community leaders, and supporters of the Mendhak Sanggring tradition. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing.

          The results of the study indicate that the performance form of wayang krucil in the Damar Wulan play within the Mendhak Sanggring tradition consists of several elements, including the storyline, puppeteer, puppets, gamelan musical accompaniment, songs, stage arrangement, costume design, and interaction with the audience. The Damar Wulan play was chosen because it reflects the values of heroism, loyalty, and struggle, which are relevant to the local community. The wayang krucil performance in the Mendhak Sanggring tradition functions not only as entertainment but also as a ritual medium, a form of cultural education, and an effort to preserve local traditional heritage. The continued existence of this performance demonstrates that the people of Tlemang Village still possess a strong collective awareness of preserving and maintaining traditional culture amid the challenges of modernization.

Keywords: performance form, wayang krucil, Damar Wulan, Mendhak Sanggring tradition, traditional culture.