[Unpad.ac.id, 12/09/2013] For Randi, a student of SDN Ciwidey Bandung, puppets are associated with si Cepot, the clown servant in epic Mahabhrata of West Java version. This assumption is immediately lost when watching the show Nella’s Wings by Sydney Puppet Theatre group from Australia, Thursday (12/09) in Bale Padjadjaran Rumawat Iwakoesoemasoemantri Campus, Bandung International Puppet Festival in the title 2013.
The group performed a puppet theatre for children, consisting of shadow puppets, as well as a wooden doll named Nella. Played beautifully by Sue Wallace, the stage is able to entertain Randi and his friends. Not infrequently, they were laughing when he saw the funny scenes performed by Sue.
“The mother (Sue) is funny, she always makes me laugh, like watching the cartoon Tom and Jerry,” said the boy.
In the stage, Sue acts as a character who “communicates” directly with Nella, a child who imagines many things that can fly. Nella draws a lot of things, such as owls, desert insects, penguins, and butterflies.
With her imagination, Nella wants her wings of dream can take her fly. Sue brought the audience to “help” Nella to fly by blowing it all together. The 45-minute-performance was a happy ending, Nella can finally fly, making her dreams and his imagination come true.
I’m not bored watching it. I want to watch again,” said Randi.
One of the teachers of SDN Muara Ciwidey, Poppy Kania revealed that the show provides positive effects for students. According to her, the show at the same time introduces puppets art, which is new to students.
“It’s a new experience for the students. They learned there are various puppet from around the world, not only in Indonesia. Hopefully the gained some insight,” she said.
Puppet Shows from Several Countries
In addition to the groups of Sydney Puppet Theatre from Australia, the festival will also feature puppet shows from the Netherlands, Madagascar, Turkey, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The activities initiated by the Office of education and culture in West Java was held for 2 days, from 12 – 13 September 2013.
The Chairman of the event organizer, Hendra Mbot said, this puppet festival will feature performances of puppet/dolls telling the stories from their countries. “We also invite students ranging from elementary to high school and the public with the goal of keeping this performance add insight to various groups,” he added.
