Profile
Slamet Gundono (1966-2014) was a puppeteer and performance artist based in Indonesia. Gundono rejuvenated the traditional Indonesian puppetry scene with his approach to wayang suket (rice-straw puppetry), transforming it into a medium for contemporary storytelling and social commentary. His interest in puppetry was reignited during his studies after initially being distanced by the traditional associations of wayang with less savory aspects of culture. He founded the Sanggar Wayang Suket, pushing the boundaries of traditional puppetry by incorporating modern performance elements, stand-up comedy, and a charismatic presence.His performances are known for their absence of a screen and inclusion of both traditional gamelan and Western musical instruments. Through performances like "Saté Drupadi," which tackled themes of violence and humanity, Gundono made significant contributions to the cultural landscape, using art to reflect on and challenge societal norms.
