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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