The ancient Indonesian art of shadow play or
"Wayang Kulit" is a unique combination of ritual, lesson, and
entertainment. Lacy shadow images are projected on a taught linen screen with a
coconut oil lamp or electric light. The Dalang, or shadow artist, manipulates
carved leather figures between the lamp and the screen to bring the shadows to
life.
Most shadow play is based on two epic stories from India. The
Mahabarata and it's sister work, the Ramayana, elegantly depict eastern
philosophies which have inspired many cultures. The Balinese and Javanese have
combined the Hindu stories with Buddhist and Muslim ideas and their own folk lore.
Usually, these stories are divided into many different episodes. Some episodes
are purely Indonesian creations based on the epics.
Other stories from Indonesian history and myth are
occasionally performed. Some favorites include Kala Rau - the eclipse of the
moon, Calonarang - a call to witches, and Panji -Javanese folk tales.
The Dalang chooses a story appropriate to the village or venue
sponsoring the performance. This choice is made to illustrate a useful moral.
Upon arriving to perform, the Dalang asks about current local events and uses
the story to illustrate solutions.
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