{
  "id": 11050719,
  "title": "‘Wayang Kulit’ characters come to life at the hands of a master puppeteer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/wayang-kulit-characters-come-to-life-at-the-hands-of-a-master",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2026/10/01/wayang-kulit-characters-come-to-life-at-the-hands-of-a-master-puppeteer/237099"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Bharu, on October 1, a dimmed stage becomes the focal point of attention as shadows populate its surface. A tok dalang, or master puppeteer, expertly maneuvers intricately carved puppets, allowing their silhouettes to dance, fight, or prance across the white screen. Accompanied by the orchestra's rhythm and the audience's laughter, these shadowy figures become the embodiment of tales like 'Hikayat Seri Rama' or local folklore.\n\nEvery puppet in a wayang kulit performance is a work of art, meticulously crafted by artisans who often double as tok dalang. These hand-carved figures boast intricate floral motifs and delicate patterns, though they remain unseen by the audience. The painstaking process of crafting each puppet, says Kelantan practitioner Kang Boon Ann, known as Che Ann, is a testament to the dedication required to preserve this traditional form of Malay theatre.\n\nChe Ann, a Peranakan Chinese and a native of Kelantan, has dedicated more than three decades to crafting wayang kulit puppets and serving as the tok dalang of the Sri Cindayu Wayang Kulit Association. His wife and two children also contribute to the association's performances. He explains that the puppets are made from cowhide, chosen for its softness and natural qualities that make it ideal for portraying the main characters. The process begins with drying the hide in the sun, removing the hair, sketching the character's image onto the leather, and finally, punching thousands of holes using nails and a metal hammer to create intricate patterns that, when illuminated, bring the puppets to life on the screen.",
  "summary": "KOTA BHARU, Oct 1 — As the lights dim, the white screen becomes the centre of attention, its surface slowly c...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}