10-06-2025
Modern twist takes traditional wayang kulit to global stage
CONCERNS over the declining popularity of wayang kulit, Malaysia's traditional shadow puppetry, have spurred three artists to innovate, ensuring the heritage art remains relevant, especially among the young.
Founded in 2012 by Muhammad Dain Othman, Tintoy Chuo and Teh Take Huat, Fusion Wayang Kulit merges traditional Kelantanese wayang kulit with modern elements, introducing new narratives and iconic pop culture characters to captivate contemporary audiences.
Muhammad Dain, a 13th-generation Tok Dalang (puppet master) of traditional Kelantanese wayang kulit, explained that shifting audience interests drove their innovation while steadfastly preserving the art form's original structure.
'Kelantanese wayang kulit is fading due to a lack of interest, especially among young people. If this continues, the art may eventually disappear.
'So, we thought, why not do something to keep the art form alive,' he told Bernama at Fusion Wayang Kulit gallery in GMBB in Jalan Robertson, Kuala Lumpur.
Fusion Wayang Kulit combines traditional Kelantan wayang kulit elements with a modern touch by introducing new storytelling and iconic characters from popular culture to attract audiences. — Bernama
Fusion Wayang Kulit's journey into modern characters began with the Star Wars franchise, featuring puppets of Darth Vader, Skywalker, Princess Leia and Stormtroopers.
Their debut performance in 2013 was a resounding success, opening doors for international showcases in Australia, China, Germany and Japan.
Muhammad Dain, 73, stressed that despite incorporating modern elements, they remained committed to the traditional Kelantanese wayang kulit format, maintaining its five key characteristics of music, language/ dialogue, performance, puppetry and characters.
He explained that they modified the 'outside story' segment of the show, a portion separate from the core narrative, which allows the Tok Dalang to adapt content to current contexts without altering the main storyline.
His team also conducts workshops to train the younger generation in wayang kulit.
Initially, Fusion Wayang Kulit faced resistance from some traditionalists who feared their innovations compromised authenticity. However, clear explanations led to understanding and acceptance.
'I have received support from international experts who agree that incorporating new elements does not undermine the fundamental principles of Kelantanese wayang kulit,' said Muhammad Dain, who has been involved in the art since the 1980s.
To date, Fusion Wayang Kulit has created shadow puppet designs inspired by DC superheroes (Justice League), Sony PlayStation video games (Horizon Forbidden West, God of War), Japanese mecha (Evangelion, Gundam) as well as Japanese tokusatsu (Ultraman, Kamen Rider).
The group's foray into modern characters began with the 'Star Wars' franchise, featuring puppets of Darth Vader and Skywalker among others.
They also developed the world's first transforming wayang kulit puppets, inspired by the Macross anime series.
The Fusion Wayang Kulit team, comprising about 20 members, has performed in Austria, China, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.
They were even invited to lecture at Pixar Animation Studios in California, US.
'Performing abroad is a step towards introducing Malaysia's cultural heritage to a wider audience,' said Muhammad Dain.
'We want wayang kulit to thrive, not just be a distant memory. Our hope is to inspire more people to revive and elevate this art form to a global level.'
