Wayang wong Sriwedari: suatu per jalanan dari sen1istana menjadi sent komersial 1901-1991=Wayang Wong Sriwedari: Royal Art Entertainment's Process of

ABSTRACT This study of Wayang Wong Sriwedari aims at both retracing and divulging the theory of the formation and development of 'wayang wong" which once was a royal art entertainment, but which, in the course of later time, underwent transformation into a commercial art show. Such cultural diffusion and mobility have taken place not without internal as well as external causes. The deteriorating condition of the financial matter within Mangkunegaran Palace during the time of Sri Mangkunegara V (1881-1896) and its impact upon the ruling period of the Sri Man,gkun,egaraVI (1896-1916) have been assumed to be the main causes of the royal wayang wong's decline. In addition to these afflicting factors, the change in the social structure experienced by the Javanese community during the late 19th century and the capitalists' influence have determined the growth and development of wayang wong operating outside the palace,thus causing it to adopt town commercial art show features. Apparently, Kasunanan Surakarta Court has utilized the existence of wayang wong as a profitable field for business. Under the name of 'Wayang Wong Sriwedari", this wayang wong which be- longs to Kasunanan Court gives performance at Sri Wedari Water Castle reflecting the artistic expression of the town art based on a combination of the concept of royal art and that ofthe performing technique of European proscenium. As a commercial art show, Wayang Wong Sriwedari lives under the influence ofmarkets and bidding as well as of professionalism, with means that the market taste is given greater priority without necessarily deteriorating its artistic quality. The phenomenon portraying the decline of Wayang Wong Sriwedari as a "kitsch" of art represents the existing cultural discrepancy between the production of wayang won,g relative to the choice of recreation pattern of the town's people and of the wayang wong community as a social basis. That our government anticipates better future living condition of actors and actresses through granting them subsidies and the Presidential support as well as allowing the goverment official status ought to be equalled with a professional management of the production system, which is realized by way of enhancing the artistic quality and creating other supporting factors, such as facilities and infrastructures, for the building of theatres. Inclusively, a marketing system also needs to be well provided. Key words : wayang wong -- royal art entertainment -- commercial art show -- government -- production and marketing syste