Introduction

The last wayang kulit or shadow puppet exhibition took place nearly a decade ago, featuring a meticulously curated collection from the University of Malaya's Asian Art Museum (MSA). In 2025, the inspiration to revive this showcase of traditional performing arts emerged again, but with a broader and more engaging approach. This time, the exhibition aims to deliver a richer, more immersive experience, introducing the diverse forms of shadow theatre from South East Asia. 

This exhibition features a remarkable collection of shadow puppetry from Southeast Asia, highlighting Thailand's nang yai and nang talung, Cambodia's nang sbek thom performed by standing puppeteers, and the intricate wayang kulit purwa from Central Java, brought to life by master dalangs. The cultural significance of shadow puppetry has earned it recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

 This exhibition delves into the diverse forms, narrative traditions, and symbolism of art. It features a photography showcase by Australian artist Constantine Korsovitis, highlighting his experiences and emphasizing the significance of wayang kulit. Visitors will gain insight into shadow theatre as a unique cultural heritage, where each country contributes distinctive characteristics. This exhibition invites audiences to deeply appreciate this art form through direct engagement with its treasures. 

The exhibit not only limited to the Tok Dalang Dollah Baju Merah puppets collection from MSA, but also features a variety of remarkable collections, including: selected puppets from the Wat Phlaplachai Nang Yai Museum, Thailand, Nang Talung puppets from the private collection of Thai master, Khun Fluk. Sbek Thom puppets from the Ty Chien troupe, Cambodia and Wayang Beber, Wayang Klithik, Wayang Kulit Purwa from the Wayang Kekayon Museum, Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Fusion Wayang Kulit. 

The exhibition's theme is inspired by Malaysia’s role as host of the 44th ASEAN Summit. In alignment with this year’s ASEAN theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the exhibition emphasizes the shared socio-cultural dimensions of Southeast Asian nations while celebrating their heritage. The university museum’s efforts are a testament to the ongoing commitment to safeguarding and promoting this artistic legacy for future generations.