Wayang kulit

Our expert Malaysia

Wayang kulit

The Malaysian Wayang Kulit The puppets used in shadow play, an ancient art that originated in Malaysia, inspired by ancient Hindu writings © Fotosearch / Age Fotostock

Wayang Kulit is the Malaysian shadow play theatre. Its origins remain unknown. It is performed using a taut white screen. The puppets are placed in front of a lighting that projects their shadows onto the screen. Rods are connected to the elbows and knees of the puppets. These are used to move them. The puppets are made of dried buffalo skin.
Being a puppeteer is a fastidous job. The puppeteer actually has to control the puppets alone and master their stories by heart. These stories are drawn from the odysseys of the Ramayana and Mahabharatta. These epics are part and parcel of the fundamental writings of Hinduism and Indian civilisation.