Wayang Listrik is a modern form of theatre from Bali that incorporates the art of shadow puppetry with dance and music. It’s a dynamic form of storytelling that naturally appeals to children making it an ideal inspiration for some summer creativity.  Our very own University of Hawai’i at Manoa hosts a theatre department dedicated to Southeast Asian arts and they have put together a fun and simple set of how-to instructions to build your own at-home mini shadow puppets theatre.

This guide is easy to follow and everything is made from easy to find items that you probably have around the house already. It includes step-by-step written directions and a video showing you how to put it all together. After watching the tutorial video at the end of the post you’ll have the info you need to create your own basic shadow puppets and a shadow screen to project your show. Bring a favorite story you already know to life or create your own. Most importantly, have fun!

Get creative and make your own set ,in addition to characters, as in this scene from ‘The King of Bali’ Wayang Listrik theatre production by students at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in February, 2020. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

You can follow along with the written instructions or click the link below to download a pdf version of instructions with photos. Video included at end of this post.

Wayang @ Home_ DIY Screens & Puppets_Instructions

Bringing traditional Balinese shadow puppetry theatre into your home

Part 1 – Basic Shadow Puppets

It’s easy to make your own basic shadow puppets. All you need are a few simple materials and a few tools.

MATERIALS
•Card stock (or other thick paper: manila folder, cereal box, junk mail)
•A stick. (Choose from: Skewers, chopsticks, dowels, pencils, thin branches)
•Pen or pencil for tracing
•Scissors or exacto knife
•Magazines, newspaper, coloring books (optional)
•Glue (optional)
•Tape

Option 1: Design your own puppet

Think about a simple person, animal, or other creature you can draw in profile (side) view—or find a picture you can imitate. A line drawing is all you need.

1. First Find an image of a character you want to use from a profile angle.
2. Trace or draw your character onto your choice of cardboard or think paper stock
3.  Cut out the drawing.
4. Tape or hot glue a stick to the back of your puppet.
5. Your puppet is finished!

Option 2: Borrowing and cutting designs (A)

1. Find a picture of a person, animal, or other creature from an old magazine, newspaper, or coloring book. Make sure it’s in profile (side) view.
2. Cut the outline of the figure.
3. Tape or hot glue a stick to the back of your puppetYour puppet is finished!

Part 2 – Shadow Screens

It’s easy to make your own shadow puppetry screens. All you need are a some basic materials.

MATERIALS
•Cardboard box (an 18”x16” open fruit box works great!)
•Fabric (light-colored and lightweight): Pillowcase or Large t-shirt or Sheet or Piece of fabric
•Scissors or knife (kids, please ask your parents for help)
•Clothes pins, binder clips, or tape
•Duct or masking tap for support (optional)

To prepare a pillowcase:

1. Lie your pillowcase flat with the opening atthe bottom.
2. Using your scissors, cut along one side andthe closed top.
3. Open the pillowcase

To prepare a t-shirt:

1.   Lie your t-shirt flat with the opening at thebottom
2.   Using your scissors, cut along one side andup across the top through the shoulders and neck line
3.   Open the t-shirt

Visit the AFSEA YouTube Channel for demonstrations on how to use light to manipulate your puppets and create your shadow puppet show!