Betawi Mask Theatre is a traditional performing art that combines dance, drama, and music, featuring masks as its central element. Each mask carries its own character and meaning, representing human qualities such as kindness, wickedness, and wisdom. The performance is commonly presented during traditional ceremonies and community entertainment events. The stories often draw from everyday life in Betawi society, delivered through expressive movements and dialogue.
Beyond entertainment, Betawi Mask Theatre serves as a medium for conveying moral messages and local cultural values. The craft and performance techniques are typically passed down through generations. Although its popularity once declined due to the rise of modern entertainment, various communities and local governments are now working to revive the tradition through cultural festivals and youth training programs. Betawi Mask Theatre is a cultural heritage that deserves continued preservation and wider recognition.
