Javanese rod puppets as a theme in Performance gallery

Performance was developed at Brighton Museum in response to the excellent collections which relate to performance. The gallery opened in 2002 and an installation of puppets from Java is featured as one of seven puppet traditions from around the world.

The display

Indonesian rod and shadow puppets share a case. To the left, shadow puppets are displayed to highlight their strong silhouette. Unlike in shadow puppet performance, a detailed close-up inspection is possible, showing the exquisite painting of the puppets. To the side, a set of figures is ranked, as they would be for performance, ready for the puppeteer to transfer to the next scene.

The gallery label reads:

Rod puppet performances often celebrate special occasions. The show takes place outside, blocking the street for most of the evening.

Before the show, the puppeteer prays and makes offerings to the gods so that they might bless the stage and the puppets.