Wayang Kulit Siam: The Kelantan shadow play
The Wayang Kulit Siam theatre (panggung) is a simple operating box raised about a metre above the ground.
Wayang Kulit Siam is the principal Malaysian shadow play style and one of the oldest traditional theatre forms in the country. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to be a derivation of ancient Thai and Javanese styles. Having absorbed religious, cultural and artistic influences from diverse sources, it has evolved locally into a typically Malay art form, and reflects Malay aesthetics. In Kelantan, its base, about a dozen puppeteers remain active but this number is rapidly diminishing.
- Information in the full article includes
- Origins and history
- Areas of performance