Discovering Wayang Kulit in Bali
Before the lamp is lit, silence settles behind the white screen. The Dalang prepares his puppets with care, arranging each figure before the performance begins. This is where Wayang Kulit starts, in a quiet moment that already carries the weight of tradition.
In Bali, shadow theatre connects storytelling, spirituality and community life. Through light, movement and voice, the Dalang brings ancient narratives to life for audiences gathered around the screen. Most stories draw from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, yet each performance is also shaped by place, ceremony and human presence.
This documentary approaches Wayang Kulit from within. Rather than focusing only on ritual, it explores the atmosphere, gestures and preparation that surround the performance.
The Dalang as Keeper of Cultural Heritage
The Dalang does far more than manipulate puppets. He narrates, interprets and controls the rhythm of the performance, while remaining in constant dialogue with the gamelan musicians. As a result, he holds a central role in the transmission of Balinese cultural heritage.
Through time spent in his working and family environment, the film reveals the discipline and sensitivity behind this role. It shows how knowledge is carried not only through formal learning, but also through repetition, memory and daily practice.
Although Wayang Kulit remains deeply rooted in spirituality, it also continues to evolve. New generations learn through family transmission, art schools and contemporary performances. Therefore, the Dalang must protect tradition while keeping it alive in a changing world.
A Documentary Perspective on Living Tradition
With an immersive and respectful approach, this short documentary offers a close look at an art form that remains essential to Balinese identity. It captures not only the performance itself, but also the human presence behind it.
Rather than presenting Wayang Kulit as a distant tradition, the film invites viewers to encounter it as a living cultural practice. Ultimately, it is a documentary about transmission, presence and the enduring power of storytelling.
Director: Damien Lafon
Camera: Damien Lafon & Florian Lafon
Edited by: Kutra Studio
With the participation of: I Ketut Darsana
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay informed
This may interest you: Trunyan, the Village of Silent Souls – Short Documentary