The set of Javanese gamelan instruments named “Alligator Joy” has found a new home at the Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre in South Vancouver. The distinctive bright green colour of the “Alligator Joy” instruments is a familiar sight to many Vancouverites who have enjoyed the music of the gamelan while it was housed at the Western Front for many years. Dr. Sutrisno Hartana will be introducing the set of gamelan instruments to the local community through a series a workshops.
He will also be demonstrating the art of wayang kulit, a form of Indonesian shadow puppetry. This is a traditional type of entertainment with narrative and song provided by a puppet master, who is usually accompanied by gamelan music from the collection of instruments. Although wayang is an ancient art form, it remains popular in many parts of Indonesia, particularly on the islands of Java and Bali.
Steven Chang wrote an article about Dr. Hartana’s expertise and background as a puppet master and gamelan player.
Steven Chang, author of a story published on November 15, 2019 in The Langara Voice, a news magazine created by journalism students.
MOBERLY ARTS & CULTURAL CENTRE – 7646 Prince Albert Street
Vancouver, BC Phone: 604.718.6521
www.moberlyarts.ca email:moberly@vancouver.ca