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WAYANG KULIT GEDEK
Kampung Padang Asun, Jitra, Kedah
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Introduction and history
Wayang Kulit Gedek is a puppetry show hugely popular in the northern West Malaysia. Wayang kulit gedek, whose identity is influenced by that of in Thailand, can only be found in Kedah. It is believed that it originated from the Nang Talung, a traditional performance of Southern Thailand, most noticeable by the costumes and dialect of the characters.
This wayang kulit is different from that of Kelantan although they are both related to the Ramayana story. Seri Rama of the wayang kulit kelantan is an adaptation of the Ramayana, while wayang kulit gedek is simpler and speaks about modern issues.
Its main characters are Ai Tong, Ai Kiew, Dewa Panah and Mahaguru. The good characters are the heroes and heroines, such as the Mahaguru, Arrow God, King and Queen. While the funny is Ai Tong and the bad are the giants.
The function of the Wayang Kulit Gedek is to entertain at festivals and demonstrate the heritage to tourists.
Another function is that, in the olden days, it was to cure illnesses caused by spirit and nature. Next, wayang kulit was one of the manners to express gratitude to supernatural beings, spirit and other elements of nature, as before the arrival of Islam, there was a strong believe that animism could repel plagues or spread of diseases.
In another perspective, it is said that wayang kulit gedek was once used as an instructional tool by Wali Songo to spread Islam.
In the olden days, its musician donned shirts, sarong or pants and a headgear, the semutar. But at present, the artists dress more formally in Baju Melayu, sampin and tanjak.
The items required are puppets, a lamp and a screen. While performing, Tok Dalang sits before the screen (a piece of hung cloth). Between the puppeteer's head and the screen, hangs a simple lamp to project the shadows of the puppets on the hung cloth screen. One also needs seven musical instruments: gedombak, serunai, canang, keringing, geduk, gong and tambourine, to be played by eight musicians.
In essence, the musical instruments and other items aid the puppeteer’s wits and humour, bringing his voice to life, thrilling his rendering.
The lead puppeteer, Tok Dalang, sits before the screen. A lamp is hung between the screen and his head to allow the shadow being cast on the screen. The puppeteer will narrate, describe or re-count day-to-day issue of a community with wits and humour.
Reference Source
Sumber Rujukan:
i.
Bahan
Bacaan – Buku Wayang Gedek
ii.
Tokoh : Encik Azahar bin Ruslan
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Mohammad Salleh bin Mahmud
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Kedah
Kompleks JKKN Kedah
Lot PTD 400, Pumpong
05250 Alor Setar
KEDAH DARUL AMAN
011-10899646
