This article aims to discuss the concept of rasa in a wayang performance. The concept of rasa is used as the main basis in presenting and appreciating a wayang performance. Rasa is presented by the puppeteer (dalang) through the expression of the wayang performance elements, such as language, movement, and music in the unity of puppet story. There are four dominant rasa, which always emerge in every wayang performance, that is rasa regu (exalted), sedhih (sad), greget (enthusiasm), and prenes (love and humor). In a wayang performance, these rasa present in a various patterns, such as coupled opposition and cycle. The rasa has become the key concept in understanding a wayang performance.

 

ABSTRAK

 

Tulisan ini bertujuan membahas konsep rasa dalam pertunjukan wayang kulit purwa. Konsep rasa dipergunakan sebagai landasan utama dalam menyajikan da mengapresiasi pertunjukan wayang. Rasa dihadirkan dalang melalui ekspresi unsur-unsur pertunjukan wayang, yaitu bahasa, gerak, dan musik dalam kesatuan lakon wayang. Ada empat rasa dominan yang selalu muncul dalam pertunjukan wayang, yaitu rasa regu (agung), sedhih (sedih), dan greget (semangat), serta prenès (asmara dan humor). Dalam pertunjukan wayang, rasa hadir dalam berbagai pola, seperti: oposisi berpasangan dan siklus. Rasa menjadi konsep kunci untuk memahami pertunjukan wayang.