The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has once again affirmed its role as an institution that not only excels in arts education but also stands at the forefront of preserving the nation’s culture. This was demonstrated through the wayang orang (traditional Javanese dance-drama) performance titled “Gatutkaca Winisuda,” held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time at the Prof. Wuryanto Auditorium. The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean 1 of FBS UNNES, Dr. Eko Raharjo, M.Hum.
This performance is an output of the Wayang Orang course, which serves as a hallmark of the Sendratasik (Dance, Drama, and Music Education) Study Program at FBS UNNES. It was also a collaborative examination between the Wayang Orang course for the 2023 cohort and the Character Makeup for Wayang course for the 2025 cohort. The production was guided by two supervising lecturers, Dr. Restu Lanjari, M.Pd. and Andhika Wahyu Kurniyawan, S.Pd., M.Pd. Through their intensive mentoring, students not only learned dance and dialogue techniques but were also encouraged to internalize the noble values embedded in the wayang story.
The Coordinator of the Dance Arts Study Program at FBS UNNES, Dr. Eny Kusumastuti, M.Pd., expressed her hope for the continuity of this performance. “My hope is that this wayang orang performance will be held regularly, in line with UNNES’s conservation vision. Hopefully, it can become a routine performance that can be enjoyed by the general public. We want wayang orang not only to be an academic examination but also a cultural spectacle that people look forward to,” she said.
While opening the event, the Vice Dean 1 of FBS UNNES, Dr. Eko Raharjo, M.Hum., expressed his full appreciation and support. “The ‘Gatutkaca Winisuda’ wayang orang performance is tangible evidence of FBS UNNES’s commitment to preserving our ancestral cultural heritage. I hope that activities like this are not only for student examinations but can also be developed as a regular agenda involving the wider community. This aligns with UNNES’s vision as a conservation university and supports SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals,” he stated.
The story of “Gatutkaca Winisuda” follows the journey of Gatotkaca, the son of Werkudara and Arimbi, who has mixed human and giant blood. The narrative begins with the battle between Werkudara and Arimba, the birth of Gatotkaca who was initially named Jebeng Tetuko, until he receives supernatural powers from the heavens and is renamed Gatotkaca. The story also features the struggle for the throne in the Pringgadani Kingdom, the resistance against his uncles from the giant lineage, Brajamusti and Brajadenta, culminating in Gatotkaca using the Aji Brajamusti weapon and fighting in the Bharatayudha war. Through this performance, FBS UNNES participates in preserving the cultural heritage of wayang orang, which is rich in values of heroism, justice, and sacrifice.
The rehearsal process lasted for two months, conducted in a phased and structured manner. It began with casting to determine characters based on movement ability, character interpretation, vocal skills, and physical and expressive suitability to each role. After role assignment, participants were introduced to the storyline and character traits. Rehearsals focused on mastering basic wayang orang dance movements, body training techniques, expression, and character deepening. Group scene rehearsals combined dance, dialogue, and interpretation. Regular evaluations were conducted to improve technique and cohesiveness. In the final stage, dress rehearsals with costumes and supporting properties were held to build confidence. The event was fully supported by the Wayang Character Makeup team from the Dance Arts Education class of 2025, the Master of Arts Education Management from the Arts Education Study Program, the Swagatra Studio of FBS UNNES, as well as Babalu dancers and Lengger Sontoloyo dancers, all students of Dance Arts Education.
Through this performance, FBS UNNES continues to solidify its position as a center of excellence in arts education that not only achieves academic distinction but also serves as a primary reference in the preservation and development of wayang orang in society.
