Features : In Che Ann's Hands, 'Wayang Kulit' Characters Come To Life
O nce a vibrant form of entertainment on the peninsula’s east coast and northern and southern regions, ‘wayang kulit’ is now fighting to keep its shadows alive as changing times and dwindling interest threaten to consign the traditional shadow puppetry to the pages of history. In a four-part special report published over two consecutive weeks, Bernama explores Kelantan’s ‘wayang kulit’ heritage,…
In the dimly lit theatre, the white screen beckoned for attention as it slowly transformed into a canvas of shadows. At its centre, the tok dalang, the puppeteer, deftly maneuvered the intricately carved puppets with an almost supernatural precision. The puppets, with their silhouettes dancing across the kelir, came to life in a mesmerizing ballet of movement.
The art of wayang kulit, once a vibrant tapestry of entertainment woven through the peninsula's east coast, northern and southern regions, now faces the looming spectre of obscurity. The changing times and dwindling interest have cast a shadow over this traditional form of shadow puppetry, threatening to consign it to the pages of history.
However, a glimmer of hope shines through as practitioners strive to preserve this centuries-old art form. Bernama's four-part special report, spanning two consecutive weeks, delves into Kelantan's wayang kulit heritage, shedding light on the initiatives taken to foster interest among younger generations.
Written by urgent.news from Bernama's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
