The Wayang Puppet Theatre still enjoys great popularity. Master puppeteers are expected to memorize a vast repertory of stories and to recite ancient narrative passages and poetic songs in a witty and creative manner. The repertory and performance techniques were transmitted orally within the families of puppeteers, musicians and puppet-makers. It is a traditional Chinese folk art, known in old Beijing. Wayang stories borrow characters from indigenous myths, Indian epics and heroes from Persian tales. Chinese shadow puppetry is a kind of light and shadow art in which the shadow puppets made of animal skins are performed under the light. The words and actions of comic characters representing the “ordinary person” have provided a vehicle for criticizing sensitive social and political issues, and it is believed that this special role may have contributed to wayang’s survival over the centuries. The puppets themselves, particularly those representing figures like heroes, major gods, and important clowns, also hold sacred meaning, as they may help people connect with the spirit world. In the past, puppeteers were regarded as cultivated literary experts who transmitted moral and aesthetic values through their art. Pattalung, a southern city where the shadow play tradition has long been popular. Singers and musicians play complex melodies on bronze instruments and gamelan drums. The master puppeteer (dalang) manipulates the swivelling arms by means of slender sticks attached to the puppets. Both types are characterized by costumes, facial features and articulated body parts. It is well preserved, especially in Huanxian County in northwestern Gansu Province. But fortunately, shadow puppets are still alive. As generations modernize, ancient traditions begin to fade into history. While these carefully handcrafted puppets vary in size, shape and style, two principal types prevail: the three-dimensional wooden puppet (wayang klitik or golèk) and the flat leather shadow puppet (wayang kulit) projected in front of a screen lit from behind. In recent years, certain types of play and shadow performing arts are on the verge of extinction in many parts of China.

Wayang has spread to other islands (Lombok, Madura, Sumatra and Borneo) where various local performance styles and musical accompaniments have developed. For ten centuries wayang flourished at the royal courts of Java and Bali as well as in rural areas. Renowned for its elaborate puppets and complex musical styles, this ancient form of storytelling originated on the Indonesian island of Java.

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