In the playful times of childhood, one of the most creative forms of expression comes when the lights have been dimmed and the sun shines in through the window. This time gives children a chance to clasp their hands together to cast shadows upon the wall. Like visualising the clouds as they transform into angels and dragons, beasts and monsters, and other wild, wild things, casting shadows on the wall is the child's playtime, the dreamer's pastime, and the sun's real-time. By warping, twisting, turning and shaping the hands, the shadows become transformed into animate, moving creatures - almost real!

For over 1000 years, Asian cultures have adopted the playful experience of 'casting shadows' to become a real play of Shadow Puppets. Known as Wayang Kulit in the Balinese and Javenese culture, shadow puppets are a play of marionettes that dance and move about to tell a story on a blank screen through the movement of shadows, or bayan, and the movement of the puppets themselves. The dalang or puppeteer, who is often in a trance-like state, is the mythic story-teller and a revered spiritual teacher. He is believed to be divinely inspired with 'sakti' or magical power which gives him the ability to tell stories of the highest significance. These stories often recount the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The puppets are often heroes and villains, but also they symbolise "forces" of nature, supernatural forces, and mystical or mythical symbols such as the "Tree of Life" that is used to open and close the show. The puppets are created from leather, but their beautifully detailed faces give them an animated appearance. They, too, are believed to be infused with 'spirit'. 

Historically, the purpose of performance of the Wayang Kulit was to educate the children concerning religion, morality, and community living. Hindu epics such as Ramayana and the Mahabharata are also told. Both young and old alike would be captivated by the adventures of the Wayang Kulit. The shadows are cast by an oil lamp that shines behind a white cloth. Through the power of projection, the shadows come to life upon the blank screen. In some sense, the whole play is reminiscent of life itself! 

The largest collection of Wayan Kulit is in Setia Dama House of Mask and Puppets!

Find the next performance in the UbudVibe.com Events Calendar and turn your eyes turn towards the Light!