Malaysian university lecturer Ahnaf Hakimi Ahmad wants to save the ancient tradition of shadow puppetry, which uses 3D-printed puppets controlled by robots instead of humans.
Wayang Kulit, a theatrical art form once popular in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, is traditionally performed using puppets made from buffalo skin, whose shadows are projected onto a screen.
Arnav, 33, hopes his invention, which is funded by a RM20,000 (US$4,244) grant, will allow people to enjoy the rapidly disappearing art form “anytime, anywhere”. I’m here.
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“Most of today’s teenagers are more inclined towards social media and TV shows. Therefore, this animatronic shadow puppet show will be a new phenomenon for the young people,” he said at a shopping mall in Penang Island. he said during his performance.
Wayans typically depict Hindu epic stories such as the Ramayana in hours-long theatrical and musical performances, which some in Muslim-majority Malaysia consider un-Islamic. Currently, there are only about eight wayang troupes operating in the country.
To counter criticism, wayang master Mohd Jufri Yusof, who advised Arnav on the animatronic performance, will also tell stories of modern daily life using robot puppets.
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https://amp.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/article/3197611/malaysian-shadow-puppet-enthusiasts-hope-save-ancient-art-robotics
