The symbol of triwikramā scene in Surakarta style wayang kulit performances in the "kresna duto" story

Abstract

The Triwikramā scene in Javanese wayang kulit performances, particularly in the "Kresna Duto" episode, holds profound symbolic and philosophical significance within the Surakarta style tradition. However, despite its centrality, the variations in its presentation by different dalang (puppeteers) remain underexplored. The study aims to identify and analyze the symbolic meanings embedded in the Triwikramā scene through the distinct narrative and visual strategies employed by three renowned puppeteers: Ki Nartosabdho, Ki Manteb Sudharsono, and Ki Purbo Asmoro. This research adopts Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic framework to examine both the signifier and signified elements manifested in the performances. The method includes a close reading of narration (verbal text) and visual transformation of the character Kresna into Brăhălă, based on recorded performances. Findings indicate that Ki Nartosabdho emphasizes a literary and poetic narrative, creating a dramatic and emotionally immersive portrayal of Triwikramā through rich metaphors and mythological elaboration. In contrast, Ki Manteb Sudharsono presents a more visually dynamic transformation with minimal narration, relying heavily on theatrical movement and musical cues to depict the moment of transformation. Ki Purbo Asmoro offers a balanced approach, combining concise narrative with visual elements to portray the symbolic shift effectively. Across all three performances, the symbolic triadic structure of miwiti (initiation), nêngahi (intervention), and mungkasi/ngadili (termination or judgment) emerges as a consistent interpretive pattern. This study contributes to the understanding of symbolic construction in Javanese traditional performance and offers insight into the performative variations among Surakarta-style puppeteers in representing metaphysical transformation.