WHAT/WHO is wayang kulit?

WAYANG KULIT
(INDONESIAN SHADOW PUPPETS)

WHAT!

Wayang Kulit in Central Java is probably one of the oldest continuous traditions of storytelling in the world, and certainly among the most highly developed. It is also probably the most famous and imaginative form of Indonesian Wayang. Finely carved and painted thin leather puppets move behind a white linen screen, such that the audience on the other side of the screen sees the shadows only.

"Kulit" means leather. Thick and specifically treated Water Buffalo leather is manually cut out, engraved, chiseled with amazing detail and finally hand-painted. Movable limbs are joined with leather bolts and even the handles are made from the long horns of the same Water Buffaloes.

The wayang is a flat or round puppets used for shows in Java.The wayang kulit is the flat one and it is made with buffalo leather. They are maipulated behind a white screen with a back light, so the attendance can see them as shadow puppets.
Wayang is well integrated in Javanese society, and it is considered to be a highlight of Javanese culture.
Wayang Kulit was already established in the East Javanese kingdoms one thousand years ago.

WHO!

The puppets are stored in line, in a banana tree trunk, behind the screen and in front of the puppeter. The puppeter is called the dalang.

The dalang manipulates the puppets, sings and taps out signals to the orchestra. He also speaks the parts for all characters; he must be able to render the shy sweetness in the voice of a princess, the spiteful whine of a lackey and the righteous but controlled anger of a noble hero.

Not everyone can be a dalang. A Dalang is a most extraordinary man. First of all, he is a public entertainer. To amuse a great number of people is not an easy matter. He must be physically strong and healthy, otherwise he would not be able to stand the strain. Just imagine, he is seated cross-legged for nine successive hours. He cannot even have a wink of sleep. He cannot get up from his seat until six o'clock the next morning. He also has to strike the kechrek (rattle) with his right foot almost incessantly. He handles the puppets with both hands, imitates their different voices, tell jokes at the right times, and even sings every now and then. In addition, he controls the musicians without anyone among the audience ever noticing it.

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A video of a news broadcast showing all about modifying Wayang Kulit to attract and suit tourists' needs and understanding.