Reog : Created, Grew And Developed In Ponorogo
Ponorogo is called the city of Reog for a reason. Reog art has become an identity of this city for years. This art is well known by both national and international communities. This majestic art dance was mainly inspired by two versions.
First, the version of Ki Ageng Kutu who created Reog as a manifestation of satire to Bhre Kertabumi or Prabu Brawijaya V, King of Majapahit who as a king was overpowerd by his queen. It is depicted in Reog parts. The tiger symbolizes the king’s power and the peacock symbolizes the empress who controls the tiger’s head.
Second, it is believed that Reog came from the kingdom of Bantarangin which was founded around 1.200 AD. It is said that Prabu Kelana Sewandana intended to propose the princess of Kediri kingdom named Dewi Songgolangit. Prabu Kelana Sewandana ordered the minister of Bujang Ganong along with 144 cavalry troops to propose Dewi Songgolangit. However, on their way to Kediri, Bujang Ganong and the cavalry were stopped by Singobarong, the tiger-headed king, the ruler of Lodaya kingdom. The fight between them was believed to be the origin of the art of Reog.
On its stage performance, Reog art consists of several kinds of dancers who play roles according to their respective characters, such as Pembarong, Kelana Sewandono, Patih Bujang Ganong, Warok, jathil, and Pengrawit.
Pembarong is the dancer who depicts the Singo Barong from the lodaya kingdom. In the performance, Singobarong is described as the competitor of Prabu Kelana Sewandana when he was about to propose to Dewi Songgolangit.
Kelana Sewandana is a dancer who resembles the king of the Bantarangin kingdom. The figure of Prabu Kelana Sewandana is depicted with a crowned mask, a red face, big bulging eyes, and a thin mustache. Prabu Kelana Sewandana has a magical weapon in the form of a Samandiman whip. This whip was the one that can defeat Singo Barong.
Patih Bujang Ganong ( Ganongan ) or Patih Pujangga Anom is one of the energetic figures in the art of Reog Ponorogo. This dancer represents the witty figure in the story who also has great expertise in martial arts.
In its stage performance, Warok is viewed as a guard of Prabu Kelana Sewandana. The young warok figure is depicted practicing supernatural powers, managing kanuragan (martial arts). Physically, they are stocky with chest hair, have thick mustache and beard, and sharp eyes. While the old warok is described more as an old man supervising the young warok doing physical training.
Jathil is the representation of a horse-riding knight in the story of the art of Reog. Jathil was performed by several young female dancers using eblek jaranan ( horse – shaped woven bamboo )
Pengrawit acts as an accompaniment to Reog music which consists of several players of musical instruments such as gong, kendang, tipung, kempul, kenong, angklung, and slompret and followed by wirosworo ( vocalist ) who give rhythmic words to encourage the Reog dancers.
Reyog art is a spectacle of interesting attractions that bring guidance or moral value to the community because Reog implies several philosophies. Some of them are values of religiosity, spirituality, heroism, and magic. In terms of religiosity, reog art during the time of Bathoro Katong ( the founder of Ponorogo regency ) was used as the most effective medium of da’wah. The spiritual aspect of Reog art can be seen in the equipment and clothing. The heroic side of Reog can be witnessed in the figure of warok and the magical side of Reog can be confirmed by the public views of pembarong. As a form of their concern, to preserve the noble culture of their ancestors the Government of Ponorogo held a festival that involves all elements of the Ponorogo community namely the Reog Mini Festival. This festival coincides with the anniversary of Ponorogo. This event is expected to produce future Reog artists and as a starter for a bigger event, National Reog Festival that is held before the first suro, an Islamic new year. In addition, Reog art is also performed every full moon night on the main stage of aloon – aloon Ponorogo ( town square ) and in cultural festivals, traditional ceremonies, and other events.
Source : Eksotika Pariwisata Ponorogo – Alip Sugianto