How does wayang golek differ from wayang kulit?

The primary difference between wayang kulit and wayang golek lies in the physical form of the puppets and their traditional presentation:

• Puppet Construction: Wayang kulit utilizes two-dimensional, perforated, and elaborately painted leather puppets. In contrast, wayang golek features three-dimensional wooden rod puppets.12
• Performance Technique: Wayang kulit is a shadow-puppet theatre where the puppets are manipulated against a translucent screen lit from behind, allowing the audience to watch the shadows cast on the screen. Wayang golek involves the direct manipulation of the wooden figures using rods.1
• Cultural and Regional Context: Wayang kulit is most strongly associated with Javanese and Balinese traditions. Wayang golek is the traditional puppet theatre of the Sundanese people of western Java.23
• Repertoire: While both forms draw heavily from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, wayang golek performances also frequently incorporate Islamic stories known as menak.2

Both forms are led by a dalang (puppeteer), who serves as the narrator, voice actor, and director of the performance.23