About The Wayang Kulit

What do you know about the Wayang Kulit??????

The Wayang Kulit is a type of traditional theatre, unique to the northern states of peninsula Malaysia, particulary in Kelantan. It is also found in indonesia and Southern Thailand. The Wayang Kulit, a form of puppet show, is no ordinary puppet show for it uses only the principle of light and shadow.

The Wayang Kulit is a puppet show which uses puppet to cast shadows on a lighted screen. There are different types of puppets ranging from demi gods and royalty to sages and ogres all complete with costumes and headgear. These puppets are attached to bamboo sticks or rods. The puppet are then manipulated behind a piece of white cloth which acts as a translucent screen. A light oil lamp is place behind the screen so that the audience see only the shadow, instead af the real puppet.

Musical accompaniment and lighting are important features of the Wayang Kulit. Various traditional instrument, such as the drums, bell cymbals and gamelan gong are use. The music provide the rhythm for the puppets movements and also the mood for particular parts of the story. It also allows relief in between major action. The lighting is provide by the flickering oil lamp which contributes to much of the atmosphere of the play.

The real star of the shadow play is the Tok Dalang or master puppet. He is the one who often make the puppets and musical instrument for the show. Before the performance, he begins a series of rituals, making offering and invocation to appease the spirit in order that the show can be carried out peacefully and harmoniously. Then he sit cross legged behind the screen together with the other performers and begin the show. Perhaps the most distinct feature of the Tok Dalang is his versatile voice which enable him to portray the charater of the puppet in different roles. whether they are part of comic dialogue, a narrationof the drama or singing.

Do you all ever experience this such environment? and ever witness Wayang Kulit show? sure entertaining.................. :)