Shows

WAYANG KULIT SABAH (Sabah Shadow Puppets)

Duration: 15 minutes

Suitability: General

Background: Wayang Kulit is a traditional shadow puppet show brought to the Malay Archipelago by Indian traders around 860. Its origin however can be traced to both India and China around 2000 BC. Like all other live performing arts, this artform has practically vanished after being replaced by television, cinema and video games for entertainment. Wayang Kulit is based on the Indian epic tale of Ramayana, performed with multiple puppets of different voices by a lone puppeteer, to the sound of live traditional instrumental musicians. Traditionally, the puppets are made from goat hides, and a performance is heavy on classical dialogue and poetry, long (five to seven hours is typical) and involves spiritual chanting.

The theatre version is without the chanting, fast paced and backed with prerecorded traditional music.

PUNCH AND JUDY  (English Hand Puppets)

Duration: 15 minutes

Suitability: General

Background: Punch and Judy is a traditional puppet show featuring Mr. Punch and his wife Judy. The performance is a sequence of short comedic scenes, depicting an interaction of Mr. Punch and another character who usually falls victim to Mr Punch’s humor. The show originated in sixteenth century Italy and the British version first appeared in 1662.

The theatre version adds a local flavor.