P5 | KABARET X.2 LUTUNG KASARUNG

Summary

The script tells the story of *Lutung Kasarung*, a traditional Indonesian folktale. The plot follows a royal family’s succession crisis when the aging king decides to pass the throne to one of his daughters. However, the younger daughter, Purbasari, is cursed by her jealous sister, turning her into an ugly, blemished figure. With the help of a magical monkey named Lutung Kasarung, Purbasari is restored to her original beauty. The tale concludes with Purbasari ascending to the throne, teaching a lesson about humility, the dangers of arrogance, and the power of true love and redemption.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script is a kabaret (musical play) that presents the traditional Javanese folktale of Lutung Kasarung.
• 😀 The narrative follows the journey of a princess, Purbasari, who is cursed by her jealous sister and later transformed with the help of a magical creature.
• 😀 The story begins with a royal succession ceremony, where the aging king intends to pass the throne to one of his daughters.
• 😀 The younger sister, Purbararang, becomes jealous of Purbasari, believing she should inherit the throne instead.
• 😀 Purbararang, seeking to hinder her sister's succession, consults a witch and uses magic to curse Purbasari, making her ugly.
• 😀 Purbasari, now deformed, meets a monkey-like creature named Lutung Kasarung, who becomes her companion and protector.
• 😀 Lutung Kasarung helps Purbasari regain her beauty by advising her to bathe in a magical lake, which restores her appearance.
• 😀 Purbasari returns to the palace, but her sister still challenges her, setting up a contest to determine who is more beautiful and worthy of the throne.
• 😀 The contest ends with Lutung Kasarung revealing his true identity as a handsome prince, transforming from his animal form.
• 😀 Ultimately, Purbasari is crowned queen, and the lesson of the story is to treat others with respect and not to be arrogant or condescending.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the script?

The main theme of the script is about the power struggle within a kingdom, as the aging king must choose a successor, leading to jealousy, betrayal, and eventual redemption. It also highlights the value of humility and the dangers of pride.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The main characters are King Toko Agung, his daughter Purbasari, his son Purbararang, the sorceress, Lutung Kasarung, and various ministers in the kingdom.

Why does the king decide to step down from the throne?

King Toko Agung decides to step down because of his old age and declining health, feeling that he is no longer capable of ruling the kingdom effectively.

How does Purbararang react to his father's decision?

Purbararang becomes angry and refuses to accept the king’s decision, believing he is the rightful heir to the throne. He demands the opportunity to prove his worthiness.

What is the role of the sorceress in the story?

The sorceress plays a key role in helping Purbararang by casting a spell that transforms Purbasari into an unattractive, deformed version of herself, in hopes of preventing her from inheriting the throne.

How does Purbasari meet Lutung Kasarung, and what role does he play in the story?

Purbasari meets Lutung Kasarung when he appears to her in the form of a monkey, offering companionship and eventually helping her regain her beauty. Lutung Kasarung’s true identity is a prince under a curse, and he later becomes Purbasari’s ally and love interest.

What is the significance of the transformation of Purbasari’s appearance?

The transformation of Purbasari into a deformed figure is a symbol of how external appearances can be manipulated by others out of jealousy and malice. Her eventual return to beauty signifies redemption, inner strength, and the triumph of goodness.

How does Purbasari break the curse placed upon her?

Purbasari breaks the curse by bathing in a magical lake as instructed by Lutung Kasarung. This act restores her beauty and marks her return to her rightful place in the kingdom.

What does Lutung Kasarung reveal about his true identity?

Lutung Kasarung reveals that he is a prince from a neighboring kingdom who was cursed by a sorceress due to his arrogance. He had been transformed into a monkey, and only true love could break the curse.

What lesson does the story of Lutung Kasarung teach?

The story teaches the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. It emphasizes that true beauty and leadership come from inner qualities, not just external appearances, and that love and kindness can lead to redemption.