Shadow Puppets - Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit, is an Indonesian shadow puppet play, which uses intricately made and beautifully painted, gilded leather puppets. Although only the puppets' shadows are seen by the audience, the performances are fascinating. The stories told by shadows are often from the spirit world and are full of symbolism and mysticism.

The shadow puppets, or Wayang, of Bali, are known to be the most prominent Balinese theatrical expression. Bali's culture is derived from pre-Hindu, Hindu, and Islamic influences. The wayang theatre preserves the country's Gubdy-Buddhist heritage. The plays are usually based on stories drawn from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics. They communicate Bali's history, religious and spiritual teachings, poetry, and philosophy. The characters are demi-gods, demons, magic men, and romantic lovers. There are many different stories past through generations by the puppet theatre ranging from high drama, improvisation, and slapstick comedy.

The night performances of the wayang are for entertainment. A translucent rice paper screen is back-lit by flickering candles or a coconut husk oil lamp. Religious performances take place during the day. Often these performances will occur during, or prior to a ceremony of religious significance.

Only one puppeteer, called a dalang, puts on a performance. This person, often a priest, is a person greatly respected in his community. The dalang must be a very well educated and talented individual as his responsibility is vast. The rods of at least 20 wayang figures are manipulated as the dalang chants or sings his narration. He is accompanied by an orchestra of 4 metal-keyed instruments that sound like fairies (gamelan orchestra). The daland cues the orchestra with his feet while he improvises a complex network of intrigues from a simple plot. He must be able to produce a different voice for each character as well as to physically endure an all-evening performance. He is a master story-teller, a philosopher, a poet, an actor, and a teacher. It is said that the dalang is the greatest educator of the people.

The wayland serves to communicate the history, ideas, and principles of their culture. It pulls the Balanise together as a community and gives people an opportunity to view themselves "through the mirror of the mystic history; to view their current situation through a timeless perspective" (ShadowLight).

A single, highly skilled puppeteer controls hundreds of puppets; plays out the roles of different characters with a different voice for each character; and leads the traditional musicians.

Wayang kulit plays can play for several hours or be several days long.

Performances
Popular performances are at Banjar Buni, Kuta, every Monday and Thursday 8:00 p.m.
Oka Kartini, Tebesaya, Peliatan, Ubud, on Saturdays from 8:00 p.m.