Wayang is a classical Javanese shadow puppet performance that can be traced back to before the 10th Century. Wayang performances are renowned for their elaborate and orchestrated theatre and ancient form of storytelling originating from the Indonesian island of Java.
The two most common types of puppets that feature in Wayang are wood puppets called Wayang Klitik – and flat leather shadow puppets called Wayang Kulit. The third form are carved wood three dimensional Wayang Golek stick puppets. These puppets are elaborately dressed in batik material and colourfully painted.
Wayang performances are projected in front of a screen lit from behind. Performances are to celebrate significant events such as births and weddings, and can last all night and sometimes days. The master puppeteer (dalang) manipulates the swivelling arms by means of slender sticks attached to the puppets. Singers and musicians play complex melodies on bronze instruments and gamelan drums. In the past, puppeteers were regarded as cultivated literary experts who transmitted moral and aesthetic values through their art. The words and actions of comic characters representing the “ordinary person” have provided a vehicle for criticizing sensitive social and political issues, and it is believed that this special role may have contributed to Wayang’s survival over the centuries.
Wayang stories borrow characters from indigenous myths, Indian epics and heroes from Persian tales. The repertory and performance techniques were transmitted orally within the families of puppeteers, musicians and puppet-makers. Master puppeteers are expected to memorize a vast repertory of stories and to recite ancient narrative passages and poetic songs in a witty and creative manner.
