SHAH ALAM – Women are increasingly being seen as key figures in preserving and revitalising Wayang Kulit, as performers and researchers warn that the centuries-old traditional art form is slowly fading from public attention.
With fewer Wayang Kulit groups remaining in Malaysia, most of them based in Kelantan, practitioners said wider participation from women and younger generations could help ensure the survival of the cultural heritage.
Malaysian theatre producer and puppeteer Illya Sumanto said audiences were becoming more open and curious about seeing women take on roles traditionally dominated by men.
“I think people are ready and curious to see more women performing.
“That is also one of the reasons we organised this forum, to encourage women and children to start playing Wayang Kulit,” she said during the Wayang Women Forum held recently at Balai Seni Negara.
Illya said the future of Wayang Kulit depended on actively nurturing new performers and exposing younger generations to the art form.
“We just do not have enough people playing, whether women or men. People simply need to pick up the puppet and start learning,” she said.
She added that traditional performing arts should be introduced more actively in schools through direct engagement with experienced Dalang (puppeteers).
“We should place these Dalang in schools and let them teach our children. Appreciation develops over time through exposure,” she said.
Indonesian communication lecturer and researcher Latifa Ramonita said female Dalang could attract new audiences by developing distinct identities and storytelling styles that resonate with modern viewers.
“If we look at Wayang performances, it is similar to how people admire K-pop idols. The performer is the one who attracts the audience,” she said.
Latifa said women performers could bring fresh narratives and perspectives into the art form.
“For female Dalang, they need to build their own branding and present something different, especially stories or perspectives that connect closely with women,” she said.
She added that despite their cultural importance, traditional arts across the region continued to receive limited mainstream attention.
“Even though we have ministries dedicated to the arts, traditional performances still receive only a very small portion of attention,” she said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian puppeteer and lecturer Sri Harti Kenik Asmorowati, widely known as Nyi Kenik, said women had already proven they were capable performers within the field.
“In terms of skill, women are already capable. What is really needed is support and opportunities for them to perform and showcase their talents,” she said.
Nyi Kenik said social media platforms had significantly improved visibility for female performers following the pandemic.
“In the past, women performers were rarely highlighted. But after the pandemic, we started creating content on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, and more people began recognising women in this field,” she said.
She added that all-female traditional performances in Indonesia were now drawing strong public interest and attendance.
“Seeing women take the stage in traditional music creates a unique appeal because it is still something rare,” she said.
Held at the National Art Gallery on May 17, the Wayang Wanita Forum focused on women’s involvement in Wayang Kulit through performances, discussions and workshops featuring practitioners from Malaysia and Indonesia.