PARIS.- The timeless art of wayang kulit, Indonesia’s shadow puppet theater, takes center stage in a new exhibition celebrating one of the world’s oldest theatrical traditions. With roots stretching back to the 11th century, this millennia-old art form continues to captivate audiences across all ages and backgrounds. Through a stunning display of ancient shadow puppets and modern interpretations, visitors can explore the intricate iconography, rich narratives, and contemporary relevance of this cultural treasure.


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A Journey Through Time and Myth

Originating on the islands of Java and Bali, wayang kulit is more than entertainment—it is a profound performance art interwoven with spirituality, social commentary, and tradition. Initially reserved for royal courts, it transitioned into a popular art form, evolving alongside Indonesia’s dynamic society.

Wayang kulit performances traditionally align with agricultural calendars, rituals, or family celebrations, lasting the entire night. At the heart of each performance is the dalang, a master puppeteer who brings the flat, intricately carved leather figures to life. Using a backlit screen, the dalang manipulates these figures to cast shadows, creating dynamic visuals that alternate between humor, drama, and morality tales.

The Role of the Dalang

A dalang is more than a puppeteer; they are a storyteller, conductor, and philosopher. Balancing gravity and humor, they weave narratives drawn from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, delivering moral and spiritual teachings. Highly respected, the dalang embodies Indonesia’s oral traditions while adapting stories to resonate with contemporary audiences.

Accompanied by a traditional gamelan ensemble—a medley of gongs, metallophones, xylophones, and drums—the performance creates a multi-sensory experience. Spectators can choose to sit in front of the screen to view the shadow play or behind it to observe the dalang and gamelan in action.

Exploring the Epics

The exhibition delves into the two foundational epics of wayang kulit: the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These stories of divine and princely characters chronicle the eternal struggle between good and evil.

• The Ramayana

This Javanese literary masterpiece narrates the adventures of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, and his battle to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Figures like Hanuman, the monkey god, and other protagonists of the Ramayana are prominently featured in the exhibition.

• The Mahabharata

A sprawling tale of rivalry between two royal families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, this epic explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the pursuit of justice. The vibrant imagination of dalang has ensured that this story remains a centerpiece of wayang kulit performances.

From Divine to Satirical

While these epics form the backbone of the repertoire, wayang kulit also embraces local legends and contemporary themes. The exhibition showcases characters ranging from gods and fantastical creatures to clowns and witches.

• The Punakawan

These clown-like figures, both humorous and wise, provide social commentary through their satirical dialogues. Appearing at midnight during the goro-goro (comic interlude), they engage audiences with slang and sharp wit, bridging the sacred and the relatable.

• Calonarang

This haunting tale of witchcraft requires experienced dalang versed in mysticism to portray its themes of destruction and redemption.

Modern Interpretations

The tradition of wayang kulit thrives today, thanks to innovative artists who blend heritage with modernity. The exhibition highlights young talents like Ni Woro Mustiko Siwi, the great-granddaughter of the first female dalang of Surakarta’s royal court. At just 23, she has adapted wayang kulit for digital platforms, introducing myths to a new generation via smartphones.

Renowned artist Heri Dono’s original creations also feature prominently. Known for his humor and imaginative approach, Dono crafts shadow figures from cardboard to reinterpret contemporary conflicts as mythic battles.

Theatrical Immersion

Visitors to the exhibition can delve deeper into the art of wayang kulit through immersive experiences. Digital displays reveal how puppets are crafted and animated, while interviews with dalang provide insight into their artistry. A film with an original score by Jean-Benoît Dunckel (co-founder of AIR) offers a 360-degree journey through the life and legacy of this ancient art form.

A Legacy of Collaboration

This exhibition is a result of the expertise and dedication of curators Constance de Monbrison and Julien Rousseau. Monbrison, a historian of Indonesian art, has collaborated with major international institutions to bring Southeast Asian traditions to the global stage. Rousseau, an ethnologist specializing in South and Southeast Asia, has curated acclaimed exhibitions on Asian martial arts, mythology, and cinema.


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