Wayang Kulit
In Ubud, Bali, shadow puppet shows, known as Wayang Kulit, are a cherished tradition, held in small, dimly lit theaters or outdoor settings. The performance we attended, started at 8:00 pm, took place outdoors in a tiny theatre surrounded by houses, making for a hot and humid evening. Intricately cut leather puppets, illuminated by coconut oil lamps, cast their shadows onto a large white screen, depicting stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, featuring characters such as Bima, Arjuna, and Rama.
The show we saw centered around Bima, renowned for his strength and bravery, engaging in a battle with a demon seeking to devour him as a sacrifice. Lasting for about an hour, Bima fought valiantly and emerged victorious. Behind the screen, multiple dalang (puppeteers) skillfully manipulated the puppets while narrating the story and providing character voices. Traditional gamelan music accompanied the performance, heightening its dramatic impact.
Shadow puppet shows like these serve as invaluable tools for preserving Balinese myths and legends, offering audiences a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Balinese folklore, spirituality, and artistic heritage.