Introduction
Performance Synopsis
Welcome to Saung Angklung Udjo, an art house that presents the harmony of Angklung music. Founded in 1966 by Mr. Udjo Ngalagena and Mrs. Uum Sumiati.
Abah Udjo envisioned this bamboo instrument as a symbol of Indonesian cultural pride and a means of spreading a message of peace throughout the world.
Wayang Golek
Wayang Golek is a traditional performing art that features wooden puppets known as "wayang". Each puppet is carved in a human-like form, with its own distinct character reflecting a range of human traits. In a Wayang Golek show, the central role is held by the Dalang (puppet master), who guides the story and skillfully animates the puppets. Every scene is more than entertainment—it carries a profound moral message. A full Wayang Golek performance traditionally lasts over seven hours, but at Saung Angklung Udjo, audiences enjoy a special experience through a shorter demonstration. This demonstration presents the epic Ramayana love story: Rama and Dewi Shinta, accompanied by Laksmana, are hunting deer in the forest when Shinta catches the eye of Prabu Rahwana, who becomes infatuated with her. Rahwana disguises himself as a frail old man to steal Shinta away from Rama. A great battle then erupts at Tegal Maliawan—Rama, aided by an army of monkeys led by the white monkey Hanoman—fights against Rahwana and the forces of Alengka. In the end, Rama emerges victorious and Shinta is reunited with him.
Helaran
Helaran is a meaningful procession tradition often accompanying traditional ceremonies such as circumcisions and rice harvest celebrations. It is performed in the salendro (pentatonic) scale with a cheerful, joyful melody. This reflects Helaran's core purpose: entertainment and an expression of gratitude to God for His many blessings. In this performance, Helaran is demonstrated by children who nimbly dance and play angklung, portraying genuine joy and gratitude while showcasing the distinctive colors of Sundanese culture.
Traditional Dance
The Mask Dance created by Saung Angklung Udjo is a traditional dance performance set against the classic tale of Queen Kencana Wungu. The graceful queen is relentlessly pursued by Prabu Menakjingga, who is utterly captivated by her beauty. Beyond witnessing this romantic tale, audiences are also invited to experience a dramatic character transition through the dance itself. The dancers portraying Layang Kumintir perform a striking shift: before donning the mask, they present a figure of feminine grace; once the mask is worn, their character transforms into a bold, assertive male figure. Through this performance, Saung Angklung Udjo conveys that dance is not merely movement, but is also rich with meaning and story.
Mini Angklung
Shifting to the diatonic/modern scale, in the Mini Angklung session, junior students of Saung Angklung Udjo deliver a charming performance of the children's song "Boneka Abdi"—in its original Sundanese version—along with various renditions from other countries. The melody is performed using miniature angklung, each carrying only a single diatonic note. This simpler set still delivers a beautiful, engaging harmony.
Arumba
ARUMBA stands for "Alunan Rumpun Bambu" (Melodies of the Bamboo Clan), a traditional musical ensemble made entirely of bamboo instruments. With its diatonic scale, ARUMBA can play a wide range of music genres, including Dangdut, one of Indonesia's most popular musical styles. In this session, the ARUMBA players perform a Dangdut song to liven up the atmosphere, inviting the audience not just to enjoy the music but to sing along, creating a memorable, interactive moment.
Angklung Masal Nusantara
Angklung Masal Nusantara is a small representation of Indonesia's rich cultural diversity. In this session, Saung Angklung Udjo presents a variety of dances reflecting the traditions of different regions, complete with authentic traditional attire, all accompanied by the melodic sound of angklung. For the audience, it becomes an unforgettable experience—as if journeying across the archipelago and feeling the harmony of Indonesian culture through music and dance.
Interactive Angklung
Playing Angklung Together is a session that invites the audience to discover the joy of playing angklung firsthand. Experienced angklung instructors teach the basics—from recognizing the notes, to the shaking technique that produces sound, to playing simple songs together—allowing everyone to experience the uniqueness of this traditional instrument directly. Through this session, everyone present can feel the harmony created, one that unites all differences in culture and nationality.
Angklung Trio
Angklung Trio is a special performance presented by the senior students of Saung Angklung Udjo. It combines Arumba with the innovative "Angklung Toel" instrument, a tapped/struck angklung set. This collaboration creates a beautiful musical arrangement, highlighting the resonant, harmonious sound of the angklung. The performance reflects how tradition can merge with modernity, resulting in a fresh and captivating musical creation.
Dancing Together
At the close of the show, the students of Saung Angklung Udjo don't just showcase their angklung skills—they share their joy by inviting the audience to stand up and dance together. The warmth and closeness of this session make it the perfect ending to a cultural adventure at Saung Angklung Udjo.