Srandul is an art form originating from DI Yogyakarta. Srandul art is a type of dance drama and is a traditional folk art based on the wisdom of the local community. Srandul is a hereditary art that is passed down between generations. The creator of Srandul’s art is not known for certain. Regarding the name Srandul itself, it is still a conjecture from people who know it. A source says that Srandul comes from the word pating srendul which means mixed. This is interpreted as a mixture of various stories that are often performed in Srandul’s performances.
Stories that are usually staged differ from one region to another. Folk tales and stories of characters are examples of stories that are often performed in Srandul’s performances. Often Srandul is in the form of a dance drama which is presented with an essay or folk story such as Demang Cokroyuda and Prawan Sunthi. In addition, the story plays in Srandul’s art are not limited to stories of story characters, but can also present general themes. Not infrequently Srandul’s play raises the issue of a story that is currently being discussed by the public. The concept of an infinite story is what makes the story always able to adapt to the times.
Srandul performances are usually staged at major community events such as circumcisions or weddings. In its development, this art was also introduced in a number of events such as welcoming guests or held for the benefit of tourism in the present. Initially, this show was not only meant to be a means of entertainment for the community, but on the other hand, this show had a content purpose, namely in the form of guidance, either explicitly or implicitly.
Some of the dialogues created in the play performed in Srandul’s art are partly manifested in the form of prayers and Javanese songs which contain advice or tips on how to be a good Javanese, namely in accordance with Islamic teachings. In fact, at first, Srandul was used as a medium for spreading the Islamic religion. However, over time, Srandul has become a part of the performing arts in Java. In the performance, this art is sometimes accompanied by the performance of Kethek Ogleng and continued with the appearance of clown comedians. So it is not surprising that in the end, some people call this Srandul art clown art.
Srandul is usually played by 15 people, 6 musicians, and 9 players. However, this can be considered quite flexible according to the needs of the existing event. The musical instruments used in the Srandul show are angklung, terbang, and drums. Srandul’s performance is staged at night with an uncertain duration because the duration of Srandul’s performance will depend on the request of the owner.
Usually, at the beginning of the show, the Srandul players will dance around the oncor (torch) while singing songs or Javanese songs, also known as membang. The song that is spoken contains prayers to God. This prayer is said with the accompaniment of dancers who walk around carrying oncor. This prayer is sung solemnly, and the reading of the prayer is intended so that the performance will not be hindered until the end of the event. Then afterward it was continued by singing the song Kinanthi from Serat Wedhatama. The song contains the teachings of nobility. Srandul’s art, which is developing in Kotagede, Yogyakarta, also still maintains the existence of this oncor. The torch is made using five axes and placed in the middle of the show as a light. This is a symbol that a bright light has come and is ready to touch the human soul so that it has faith. Furthermore, the torch is used as lighting during the show.
Srandul’s art in DI Yogyakarta is on the verge of extinction. This art is rarely found in art performances in Yogyakarta. It is very important for the younger generation to be able to recognize, know, and can further preserve this art. The Yogyakarta government has also made several attempts, including the Kotagede Cultural Tourism Week in 2012. Srandul art can also be found at the Ratu Boko Temple site, Yogyakarta. In this place, Srandul art is presented for visitors to the temple at certain times. On Saturday afternoons, this art will usually be staged at the Andrawina Plaza which is located in the Ratu Boko Temple complex. Visitors can watch Srandul while enjoying the sunset.
Writer: Rico Surya Putra Susila
