Wayang Kulit - Javanese Shadow Puppet Play

See the shadows fly across the screen in the hands of 8th generation Indonesian master shadow puppeteer, Dr Joko Susilo. Originally from Java, Joko is resident in Dunedin and presents his show in English, though you will hear ancient Javanese language in many of the songs.

Joko tells a tale from the traditional Indian epic, the Mahabharata, with puppets of extraordinary beauty – not only delicately carved, making exquisite shadows, but also painted brilliantly so it is just as rewarding to watch the show from the puppeteer’s side of the screen as the shadow side. Watch as Joko makes the puppets do flips, fight battles, go on journeys, enact love scenes - clowns also crack jokes on screen.

Both shows are accompanied by live music from Gamelan Padhang Moncar, directed by Joko, using signals from his hands and feet by knocking or clashing metal plates on a box.

The shows will be part of the bustling Southeast Asian Night Market on the waterfront at Frank Kitts Park from 4pm to 10pm. Eat from one of the many food stalls while you watch in this informal setting.

See www.gamelan.org.nz for more information.