Ngesti Pandawa
Ngesti Pandawa is an Indonesian Wayang Wong troupe based in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the three remaining traditional Wayang Wong troupes in Indonesia.
History
Ngesti Pandawa was founded in Madiun by Sastro Sabdo on July 2, 1937, to revive the art of Wayang Wong Panggung. This form of Wayang features human actors performing on a proscenium stage, blending elements of Wayang wong traditionally staged in pendhapa—the open hall of Javanese noble residences, with aspects of Western theater. The first Wayang Wong Panggung troupe was established in 1895 by Gan Kan, a Chinese entrepreneur from Surakarta. Sastro Sabdo's mission was supported by Sastro Sudirdjo, Narto Sabdo, Darso Sabdo, and Kusni.Since its founding, Wayang Wong Ngesti Pandawa has performed for Javanese, Dutch, and Chinese communities. However, due to political instability in Madiun between 1937 and 1953, the troupe was forced to relocate to continue performing. They eventually settled in Semarang. In 1954, with the support of Hadi Subeno Sosrowerdojo, the troupe was granted use of Gedung Rakyat Indonesia Semarang building at Jalan Pemuda 116, allowing them to stage regular performances.
From the 1960s to 1970s, the troupe was directed by Sastro Sabdo and Narto Sabdo, who collaborated with Ki Nartosabdho to create gending-gendingan for the performance. The troupe's use of theatrical scenery, musical accompaniment, costumes, choreography, and stage effects significantly influenced other wayang orang groups.
The troupe has performed for President Sukarno. Following the 1953 eruption of Mount Merapi, Ngesti Pandawa raised funds for the victims. In recognition, President Sukarno invited the troupe to perform at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta and the Istana Negara in Bogor. In 1962, Ngesti Pandawa received the Wijayakusuma Award from the President.
In 1994, the local government sold the GRIS building, forcing Ngesti Pandawa to relocate to the Taman Raden Saleh Cultural Complex for two years. In 1996, the troupe moved to the Majapahit Amusement Park and established the Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandawa Foundation. In 2001, the local government permitted the group to use a hall at the Taman Raden Saleh cultural complex, where it continues to perform three days a week, with regular shows on Saturday evenings starting at 8:00 pm.
Current status
Wayang Orang Ngesti Pandawa continues to stage performances from its traditional repertoire every Saturday evening. In addition to the live shows, the group engages with the community and visitors through its social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, , and YouTube, as well as its official website.In addition to its regular performances in Semarang, Ngesti Pandawa has also staged shows in cities including Sukoharjo, Jepara, Solo, and Jakarta. The group also performs for students and institutions to introduce wayang orang to wider audiences.
Masdiana Safitri, head of Semarang City's Culture, and Tourism Office announced plans to renovate the Ngesti Pandawa venue in order to improve its facilities for visitors.