Ramayana Theater in Contemporary Southeast Asia

The ancient Indian epic poem Ramayana has been disseminated throughout large tracts of Southeast Asia since the 9th century. Versions of the epic poem have come to adopt and reflect the unique characteristics of the countries and regions where it has gained cultural currency. The epic has been a source of popular themes in both traditional and contemporary art forms, including literature, performing arts, fine arts, and films.

Ramayana Theater in Contemporary Southeast Asia showcases Ramayana theatre as a platform where the multiple meanings and senses of values are negotiated. It focuses on the relationships between the cultural representation and the various meanings of Ramayana theatre, as well as other dramatic art forms. The book highlights the various contemporary contexts of art performances where the epic poem has been represented. It also presents the ideologies and moral values contained in the theatrical forms of the epic poem.

The book discusses various performance contexts, such as diaspora communities, production of popular content culture, cultural diplomacy, designation as intangible cultural heritage, transmission, tourism, and the representation/exhibition of culture, as well as the performance in rituals. It features works of three contemporary and inspiring artists: cross-gender dancer Didik Nini Thowok, animator and puppeteer Nanang Ananto Wicaksono, and composer Ken Steven.