‘Star Wars’ and superhero wayang kulit take over Bangsar Village

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Think you know wayang kulit? Well, it’s time to think again — and a new exhibition will help get you started.

Fusion Wayang Kulit have been making a name for themselves regionally for re-introducing the dying art of Kelantan-style shadow puppetry to the masses by giving it a modern twist.

Visual artist Tintoy Chuo and master puppeteer Muhammad Dain Othman (popularly known as Pak Dain) put on performances using the storyline and characters from “Star Wars” to make wayang kulit more appealing to a younger audience.

Si P Long, who is better known as C-3PO to ‘Star Wars’ fans. — Picture by Chan Wai Kit

From now until November 8, if you happen to be in the neighbourhood of Bangsar, drop by Bangsar Village 1 to see the intricate handcrafted shadow puppets up close and personal.

Every character from Fusion Wayang Kulit’s acclaimed shadow play “Peperangan Bintang: Harapan Baharu” (the Malay translation of “Star Wars: A New Hope”) are on display, from Sangkala Vedah (Darth Vader) and Perantau Langit (Skywalker) to Tuan Puteri Leia (Princess Leia Organa) and Si P Long (C-3PO).

DC superheroes get in on the action too, like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern.

Superman’s iconic suit features intricate traditional-style decoration. — Picture by Chan Wai Kit

The public can also view the evolution of wayang kulit through more traditional shadow puppets from the Indian epic Ramayana, such as the mythical Hanuman, Sri Rama, Sita Dewi, Maharaja Rawana and Laksamana.

So if you have a little time to spare, why not step into the shadows and embrace this wonderful reimagining of Malaysian culture?

* Catch Shadow of Change at Lot G-17, Ground Floor, Bangsar Village 1 from October 30 to November 8, 10am to 10pm. Entry is free.