First public performance of wayang rakyat

Yesterday was Projek Wayang's first full performance of wayang rakyat - a shadow puppetry form based on and adapted from the Wayang Kulit Siam tradition that tells Malayan/Malaysian folk stories (such as the mischievous mousedeer, Sang Kancil, and the blundering village fool, Pak Pandir). It was performed in a mall, quite apt since a lot of Malaysians linger in these behemoths of capitalist enterprise.

From what I noticed after the 20-minute performance, people were very happy to have caught the show; it's probably something they didn't expect to happen in a mall!

Some pics to come, and hopefully by the time we re-perform this show next Sunday, we'll get someone to video it.

Flyer from the Flers

Hi guys,

Just a quick flyer that Aziz made while at the office and not doing work (haha, thanks Aziz).

Feel free to download and distribute.

Wayang Rakyat at The Curve

Hi guys and gals,

Projek Wayang is proud to announce our latest public performance, almost in conjunction with Hari Raya festivities: Wayang Rakyat @ The Curve. Featuring Aziz Ali, Azmyl Yunor, and Fahmi Fadzil, with puppets by Fahmi Reza.

There will be two performances over four dates, with two workshops on introductory puppetmaking for kids.

30 September, 4.30pm - Sang Kancil and Sang Buaya
7 October, 4.30pm - Pak Pandir and the Bowl of Honey*
20 October, 2.30pm - Sang Kancil and Sang Buaya
21 October, 2.30pm - Pak Pandir and the Bowl of Honey*

(*title might change)

Synopses
Sang Kancil and Sang Buaya
One day, as he was walking around the jungle, Sang Kancil spots a grove of fruit trees across the river. As he tries to cross the river, he encounters the fearsome Sang Buaya, who is intent on eating the little mouse deer. What will Sang Kancil do to get at those fruit trees?

Pak Pandir and the Bowl of Honey
Mak Andih has grown tired of Pak Pandir's loafing around the house, so she sends him out to gather things from the jungle that they could sell. Pak Pandir finds some honey, and bringing it home decides to eat it instead of selling it, against Mak Andih's wishes. What becomes of Pak Pandir and his greedy ways?

Flyers should be out soon.

Wayang Beber Kota

Earlier this year, I met up with Dani Iswardana of Wayang Beber Kota, a contemporary Wayang Beber troupe based in Solo, Indonesia. Wayang Beber is often thought of as a dead art, with barely any practitioners, yet here we have a three-man troupe (consisting of Dani, the STSI-trained visual artist, Tri Ganjar Wicaksono, the 17-year old dalang, and Agung PW, the guy I've been closely in touch with, who've also set up the WBK website).

Projek Wayang is trying to see if there are any possibilities of collaboration in the near future, so I'm going over in the early part of next year to learn about their work and how they operate in a contemporary setting.

Back from Bangkok!

Azmyl and I had a wonderful romp in Bangkok. The show we put up was good, although it could've been tighter, but there was much reflection on the work - regarding context, depth and direction. All in all, it was a fun festival to have attended. I didn't get to force someone to take pics of our performance, but I'm sure the organizers have some. When it pops up in the email I'll post it up here.

Oh, and I lost my voice by the end of our performance, haha!

Live Arts Bangkok flyer!

This is the e-flyer for the upcoming Live Arts Bangkok arts festival that Azmyl and I will be traveling to. We'll be performing Wayang Buku on August 18th at the Kukrit Pramoj Heritage House. Do drop by if you're in Bangkok then!

Kakiseni Review of Dua, Tiga Dalang Belari

Here's a review of Dua, Tiga Dalang Berlari, by Zedeck Siew of Kakiseni. Poot!