<![CDATA[Wayang art is a performance medium that integrates multiple artistic components, one of which is rhetoric. Among its rhetorical techniques, the alternation style—defined as the adaptive and applicative variation of discourse—plays a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic quality of the performance. This study aims to identify the types of rhetorical alternation and their adaptation strategies within the Taman Penasar performance by the Denpasar delegation during the 2024 Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali). Taman Penasar was selected due to its dramatized actor-based format rooted in Pesantian, which reflects the dynamic discourse practices unique to Balinese puppetry. This study employs a qualitative descriptive case study using participant observation, audiovisual documentation, and semi-structured interviews. The analysis applies rhetorical and dramatic approaches to identify forms of alternation and examine their adaptive functions in the performance. The findings reveal two main results. First, rhetorical alternation styles emerge in several forms: (a) shifts between Kawi and Balinese languages, (b) alternation of formal and informal speech registers, (c) transitions between tembang (metrical speech) and prose narration, and (d) rhythmic modulation in character interactions. Second, adaptation strategies are implemented through: (a) thematic and atmospheric planning, (b) character design, (c) dialogue construction, and (d) selection of appropriate speech registers between characters. These adaptations significantly contributed to the performance’s success in competition and reinforced the communicative and aesthetic appeal of wayang in a modern theatrical format.]]>
