[2][4] Emiko Susilo writes, "when the dance-dramas of Majapahit came to Bali, they had the new task of preserving the tradition of a fallen dynasty"[4] (emphasis in original).

It also introduced a new element of narrative to Balinese performing arts that influenced other forms of dance-drama on the island, such as topeng masked dance and arja opera.

Performances are long and, unlike wayang shows, contain only small sections comic relief, making demands of potential audiences.

[4] Combining dance, music, and acting, gambuh draws on the narrative material of the Malat, a long poem about the fictional Javanese prince, Raden Panji.

He is separated from his fiancée, Rangkesari (known as Candra Kirana in Javanese versions of the story), after she goes wandering in the forest and gets swept up by a gust of wind.