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Puppet theatre still thrives as an important folk art in Indonesia. The word
“wayang” means shadow and shadow-puppet plays were traditionally performed
in towns and villages on holidays and festivals. Java’s puppets fall into
three main categories. Wayang Kulit; are leather shadow puppets used to
perform Indonesian versions of the Indian Hindu epics. Wayang Klitik are
flat wooden puppets that perform the narratives of Javanese Majapahit Empire
heroes. Those shown here are Wayang Golek, used to perform the Hindu cycles
and also an Islamic Arabian adventure cycle. A dalang, or puppet master,
manipulates the puppets, speaks their parts, and coordinates the puppets'
actions with the music. |
