The Relation of Human Being and Environment in the Cultural Event of Laesan Performance

Abstract

Laesan is a traditional art that comes from the word “laesun” which means “suwung” or empty. In the show, it tells the story of a human being from the womb to return to the grave which is told through a dance accompanied by songs according to the session. This study aims to describe the relationship between humans and elements of communication and communicative actions in the cultural event of laesan performance. This research applied a qualitative descriptive approach with ethnographic studies of communication. The research data were in the form of fragments of speech and actions involved in laesan performing arts. The research method was ethnographic and participatory. The results show that laesan art communication has a communication system related to the sequence of GASKENPI components. The forms of messages in laesan art are mantras and song lyrics. The act of communication in laesan art is divided into two: (1) the act of communication between laesan players and the empty atmosphere of the universe, (2) the act of communication between laesan players and the audience. These two forms of communication have functions related to environmental preservation which include the songs entitled Ella Ello, Bandhan, Luruo Sintren, and Santrine Dodol Gambir.