Gong Drama/ Contemporary Drama in Bali

Drama Gong / Drama Bali

       Performing arts in Bali which is still relatively young is Drama Gong, with a blend elements of modern drama with elements of traditional Balinese performing arts, drama is created Gong. In many respects Drama Gong is a blending of elements of the modern theater (the West) with traditional theater (Bali).

      Drama Gong name's given to this art because in pementasannya every move the players and the atmosphere of dramatic transition accompanied by the Gamelan Gong (Gong Kebyar). By Anak Agung Gede Raka Payadnya from Abianbase village (Gianyar).
        Drama Gong was created around 1966 and thought that Drama Gong was created by combining the elements of traditional Balinese dance dramas such as ballet, Arja, Prembon and Plays are intended as a prembon (art mixture).

       The elements of modern theater that mated in Drama Gong, among others: 

1. the decoration
2. the sound-effect 
3. an acting 
4. the fashion 

Because of the dominance and influence of classical or traditional art of Bali is still so strong, then the Drama Gong originally called "classic drama".

      Is I Gusti Bagus Nyoman Panji which then gives a new name (Drama Gong) to the arts is based on two standard elements (drama and gamelan gong) of this art. It is noteworthy that before the emergence of Drama Gong in Bali has been no drama Janger, an arts drama that became part of the dance show Janger. In many ways, very similar to the drama Janger Plays or Stambul existing and popular around 1950. 
      Drama Gong is a drama which in general show-act play is based on romantic stories like the story of Panji (malate), a story Sampik Ingtai and other similar stories including those from outside the cultural environment of Bali. In bringing this act, the players Drama Gong did not dance but act realistically with verbal dialogues that speak of Bali.

      The important role of Drama Gong is:

1. King sweet 
2. King buduh 
3. Sweet princess 
4. Princess buduh 
5. Old king 
6. Empress 
7. Lady's maid 
8. Hard Patih 
9. Old Patih 
10. Two pairs of clown-servants 

      The players wore traditional dress in Bali, according to the level of social status of the role that was delivered and every movement of players, as well as dramatic changes in the atmosphere of the play accompanied by a change in the rhythm of the gamelan Gong Kebyar.

      Drama Gong Balinese people perform for the relation with traditional and religious ceremonies and social events of interest. Nevertheless, Drama Gong including secular art that can be performed where and at any time as may be required.

      Arts Drama Gong is what started the tradition of the show "ticket" in Bali because of previous performing arts for the local community was never in the commercial form.Drama Gong began to develop in Bali around 1967 and peak of glory is tahun1970.

      At that time Balinese traditional arts like Arja, Mask and others left by the audience which began fondness Drama Gong. Large platforms that had to be subscribed Arja suddenly taken over by the Drama Gong. But since the mid 1980's this art began to decline in popularity, today there are about 6 pieces sekaa Drama Gong is still active.

      Various forms of drama development Gong emerged, among others, Drama Gong Star East Bali, Bali's Cultural Ambassador Gong Drama, Drama Gong Arts Council, Drama Gong Dwipa Sancaya, and last appeared Drama Gong Reformation.