Lakon Karangan: The Legacy ofKi Nartosabdho in Banyumas,Central Java

The changes in wayang kulit purwa, shadow puppetry of Central Java, have been significant since independence was declared in 1945. Ki Nartosabdho was one of the most important performers in the last quarter of the twentieth century. This article explores Nartosabdho's impact and, by examining Sugino, a dalang who has followed Nartosabdho's lead, the author gives a sense of the debate of tradition versus modernity that rages in the world of wayang.