{
  "id": 13829643,
  "title": "How a school project led Imanuddin to wayang kulit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/how-a-school-project-led-imanuddin-to-wayang-kulit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/12/how-a-school-project-led-imanuddin-to-wayang-kulit"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A school science project two years ago sparked 10-year-old Nik Imanuddin Hadeef's fascination with wayang kulit, a traditional Indonesian puppet theater art form. His teacher assigned a project requiring the creation of an object that could cast a shadow. Nik's mother, Nur Hazween Hasni, suggested crafting wayang kulit puppets, using cardboard to make characters like Dewa Panah and Pohon Beringin. This assignment quickly evolved into something more significant for the young boy.\n\nOnce his assignment was submitted, Imanuddin asked his mother to create additional puppets, each capturing his imagination. He particularly admired Pak Dogol from \"Hikayat Seri Rama\" for his battles against jinn and other powerful creatures. As he became more comfortable with manipulating the puppets, he focused on mastering the voices and intonations required for each character. Mastering these vocal aspects proved to be one of the most challenging aspects of his new craft.\n\nNik's curiosity eventually led him to TikTok, where he discovered videos by wayang kulit practitioner Kang Boon Ann, also known as Che Ann. Following Che Ann's posts, Imanuddin was accepted into training with the Sri Cindayu Wayang Kulit Association. Under Che Ann's guidance, he began learning puppet manipulation, traditional music, and the basics of becoming a tok dalang.\n\nImanuddin's first public performance took place in Tok Bali early last year. Performing in front of an audience required him to manage his nerves, maintain precise movements, and stay focused throughout the show. This experience was a significant milestone in his journey, and he hopes to have more opportunities to perform in the future.\n\nNur Hazween, Imanuddin's mother, supports his interest in wayang kulit and other artistic pursuits. He enjoys drawing and playing instruments like the recorder and keyboard. She notes that his newfound passion for traditional arts stems from her father, Hasni Mat Hassan, a former arts lecturer. The family also shares a love for drawing. However, Nur Hazween is mindful of balancing her son's passion with his academic responsibilities, ensuring that practice and training sessions are scheduled around his school schedule.",
  "summary": "At just 10, this Kelantan lad is already learning puppetry, character voices and traditional music under the guidance of an experienced tok dalang.",
  "key_points": [
    "10-year-old Nik Imanuddin Hadeef's school project sparked interest in wayang kulit.",
    "His mother suggested crafting wayang kulit puppets from cardboard.",
    "Nik performed publicly in Tok Bali after training with Sri Cindayu Wayang Kulit Association."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "How a school project led Imanuddin to wayang kulit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/how-a-school-project-led-imanuddin-to-wayang-kulit-13829994",
        "published": "2026-10-12T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}