wayang kulit
Quick Summary
Wayang kulit is a classical Javanese shadow puppet theater that originated before the 10th century, likely influenced by Indian leather puppetry. The term "wayang" means "shadow" in Javanese, referring to the way puppets are manipulated behind a screen, casting shadows illuminated from behind.1
The puppets themselves are made of intricately painted leather with perforations. The plays are set in mythological times and often dramatize episodes from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, though many are Javanese creations that elaborate on these legends.1
These performances are highly ritualized and can last from evening until dawn. While they can be viewed from either side of the screen, connoisseurs prefer to watch the shadows. Figures representing good are placed on the right side of the screen, and those representing evil on the left. Wayang kulit is considered the strongest traditional theater form in Southeast Asia, with thousands of puppeteers actively performing.12
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