KY+Assignment1

1. Describe how comedy seems to be communicated by the clown servants in the two videos.
 * Assignment 1**

The Balinese wayang kulit puppet theater features re-enactments of classical Indian epics from “The Mahabarata” and “The Ramayana” through the use of shadow and light. Although the play portrays the archetypal battle between the forces of good and evil, comedy is still introduced by the Dalang in the otherwise serious performance ritual. The two clown servants communicate comedy in several ways. Their appearance is a large contributor to the depiction of comedy. The clown characters wear typical sarongs, have a protruding and awkward nose, sport a tuft of hair, and have a tooth jutting from their mouths. In addition to their comical exterior, the clown characters use lighthearted tones and inflections of voice to give the impression of playful banter to the audience members. The tempo of the clown character’s dialogue is very fast, and their movements are both agitated and exaggerated, adding to the comedy portrayed.

2. Why do you think the puppeteer elects to use such tactics during these serious events?

The clown servants are a form of comic relief in the plays. They relieve tension in the serious storyline being depicted by the puppeteer and act in contrast to the more solemn characters of the story. The clown servants can make witty, humorous comments on the situation of the drama’s hero that would be unsuitable for other characters. Comedy is also an excellent tactic to keep the audience’s attention. The material being enacted is quite weighty, so the injection of comical interludes can help the Dalang maintain interest during the performance.