Narratives of Wantilan, Meaning, and Social Interaction in The Wayang Kulit Bagong Gendro Performance and The Film Punokawan

Abstract

This study explores the comparative representation of Punakawan characters in two different media: the Porongan-style wayang kulit performance Bagong Gendro by Ki Suwoto Gozali, and the film Punokawan directed by Andi Fikri. Using Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework, the research reveals both denotative and connotative meanings in wantilan (character-specific expressions) as a cultural sign system that encodes myths about sexuality, the origin of life, humor, and social values in East Javanese society. In the wayang performance, bodily symbolism and sexual references function as philosophical metaphors for life. Meanwhile, in the film, Petruk and Bagong appear as egalitarian and humorous figures, reflecting the open and intimate communication style of the Sidoarjo community. The study concludes that both traditional performances and contemporary films act as vehicles for conveying myths and social ideologies, adapted to their respective cultural contexts.