Balinese Theatrical Wayang Kulit Performance

Wayang Kulit or known as Shadow Puppet is a famous theatrical expression in Bali. Kulit means skin or leather. In a Wayang Kulit performance, shadow images are projected in a white screen with a coconut oil lamp or electrical lamp as its source of light. The stories are usually about Hindu epics such as Ramayana and Mahabrata. But other stories from Indonesian history and myth are also performed.

The Wayang is manipulated by the puppeteer or shadow artist (Dalang) who tells the stories accompanied by Gamelan orchestra and sometimes some singing. The Gamelan players respond to the timing and direction of the Dalang. Most characters in the performance speak in language of Kawi or ancient Javanese. Indonesian audiences may not understand the language, for that, there is a translator who impart the story to a well known language.

Wayang performance that are performed at night is considered as an entertainment performance. While performance that are performed in day light without coconut lamp is considered as a religious performance. Religious Wayang performance are usually performed in a Ngaben ceremony or cremation ceremony.

More Photos:

A Dalang performing a Wayang kulit performance
Some Wayang kulit characters