Shadow Play: Understanding Indonesia's Informal Economic Landscape & Role in Society

Shadow play (typically called wayang kulit) is a traditional form of puppet theatre in Indonesia that originated in the cultures of Java and Bali. It involves a core visual experience for the audience as shadows are created by carved leather puppets that are manipulated by the puppeteer (or dalang) and are projected on a screen using a lamp. The stories typically convey ethical lessons, philosophical concepts, and social commentary.