References to current events, pop-culture and even politics are added to performances. Performances can occur for a variety of reasons: to entertain, educate, and/or commemorate a special occasion. As fascinating as it is to watch the shadows and follow the story, it is just as interesting to watch the performance as it goes on behind the screen. While wayang kulit characters are beautifully crafted, the audience only sees the shadows of each one as they are manipulated by the dalang. In shadow puppet theater, the puppets, dalang (puppeteer) and gamelan musicians are located behind a screen. Character names also vary for example, Sita is also known as Siti Dewi. The names of the instruments are: serunai (oboe), gedumbak (pot drums), geduk (stick drums), canang (small gongs), gendang (double headed drums), kisi (cymbals), and the tetawak (hanging gongs).Įlements of the Malaysian version of the traditional epic Ramayana vary from the versions known in other countries such as Indonesia and India – for example, according to the Malay version, the monkey god Hanuman is the son of Rama, not just his ardent devotee as he is portrayed in the Hindu texts of the Ramayana. The audience and the performance are protected by incantations recited by the dalang prior to the start of the performance while spreading rice and placing a kris in front of the stage.Įach gamelan piece has a distinct sound and is used for particular purposes throughout the performance. Traditionally, the dalang would go into a trance prior to performance and would have the ability to use different voices for each character. Organizations such as Pusaka are trying to preserve and revitalize this performance style. It is a disappearing traditional art form, with less than 10 practicing dalangs remaining in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the Wayang Kulit Kelantan is influenced by both Indonesia and nearby Thailand hence, shadow puppets are also know as known as Wayang Kulit Siam in Kelantan. Shadow puppet traditions are found in a number of Southeast Asian countries. Here are a few things to note about shadow puppet performances in Malaysia: Likewise, every puppet’s stature reflects it’s disposition: a bowed head reflects a calm nature and a head position that is looking upward is an ambitious personality. The ornamentation of each puppet conveys information: various crowns reflect varying social statuses. Every wayang kulit character also has adornments such as crowns, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, and so on. (Traditionally, these puppets are made from water buffalo skin.) Puppets are decorated with cutouts, paint, and gold leaf. Wayang and kulit translate to “puppet” and “skin,” respectively. Shadow puppets are known as wayang kulit in Malaysia. The shadow puppet theatre adaptation of the Ramayana in Malaysia is known as Hikayat Maharaja Wana and is considered one of the most important shadow plays. The story remains the same as the original epic, but some aspects were modified to have a more local context. “Hikayat Seri Rama” is the literary adaptation of the Ramayana in Malaysia. Shadow puppet performances usually portray stories from these epics. The Mahabharata and Ramayana are two ancient Sanskrit epics. Shadow puppet show, behind the scenes | Photo credit: Shamleen /
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