The Kelantan Malay Shadow Play

Four varieties of shadow play are active in the Malay peninsula:

(a)Wayang Kulit Siam,
(b) Wayang Kulit Gedek,
(c) Wayang Kulit Purwa and
(d) Wayang Kulit Melayu.

Wayang Kulit Siam is the most indigenous of these styles. It is principally performed in the state of Kelantan on the east coast of the Malay peninsula. Wayang kulit siam makes use of a local version of the Indian epic, Ramayana. Existing only in the oral tradition, this version is known as Hikayat Maharaja Wana. The Hikayat Seri Rama provides material for the principal story (cerita pokok). Local extensions of and accresions to the epic have resulted in the creation of a large number of Ramayana branch stories (cerita ranting). These have traditionally been more popular than the pokok story.

The wayang kulit siam orchestra consists of a pair of double- headed drums(gendang), a pair of single-headed goblet-shaped drums known as gedumbak, a pair or vertically standing drums (gedug) hit with beaters, a pair of hand small cymbals, (kesi) and a pair of inverted gongs canang), also beaten with sticks. and, finally, a pair of hanging knobbed gongs(tetawak).

Wayang kulit siam peformances are done in two varieties:
(a) those done purely for entertainment and
(b) those intended for ritual purposes such as the salutation of teachers (sembah guru).

Ritual performances,known as wayang kulit berjamu,are extremely rare.They incorporate a host of ritual acitivities as well as trance.

Further information regarding traditional Malay theatre genres may be obtained from:
The Asian Centre, Penang

Recent Materials related to the Kelantan Malay Shadow Play:

Matusky, Patricia. Malaysian Shadow Play and Music: Continuity of an Oral Tradition. Penang: The Asian Centre, 1997(Reprint).

Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof. The Malay Shadow Play: An Introduction. Penang: The Asian Centre, 1998.

Dikir Barat

Dikir Barat is a modified and secularized version of zikir, which is a form of incantation praising Allah and Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Like most folk performances, the Dikir Barat, in its traditional practice, is an avenue for social commentary.

A Dikir Barat ensemble consists of two opposing groups who sing in a call-and-respond pattern. Each team is lead by a tukang karut or lyricist whose performance is judged by his ability to versify, his skill and his ingenuity for improvisation.

While singing, the group members will do certain actions, especially the hands to brighten and enliven the performance.

Handclapping and the striking of a gong accompany the entire performance.

The Composition of a Dikir Barat Group

The basic elements of a Dikir Barat Group are the two frontmen, the Juara and the Tukang Karut. A Dikir Barat group can be of any size.

In Singapore, during competitions, the standard size of a group will be the two frontmen, fourteen awok-awoks and four percussion players.

The Juara is the singer of the group and he will usually open the performance of his or her group followed by the Tukang Karut. Unlike the Juara, the Tukang Karut will be interacting with the audience with his or her wit. The more engaging a Tukang Karut is the more effective he or she is as a performer. The Juara would be one with the melodious voice.

The awok-awoks are basically the chorus. They will sing and do dance moves, while sitting down in tune with the songs being sung by the two frontmen.

The percussion includes an ibu rebana, an anak rebana, a maracas, a tambourine, gong and canang. The ibu or 'mother' rebana is the main and most important percussion. The anak or 'child' rebana supports the ibu rebana and is significantly smaller in size with a higher pitch to it. The canang is a small traditional malay gong that is set on the floor, and sets the tempo along with the gong. Maracas and tambourines are usually used for extra effects to the music. A tambourine is usually played by one of the frontmen when the other is singing.

Famous Singer

1. Tok Jogho - Megat Nordin - Mail anak kala - Ramli raja laut -

2. Tukang Karut - Jein endoro - Tuan kob raja saring - Pokku kamal - Badol - Meli mahligai - Mat jein KD - Muslih