In addition to the story-telling workshop series, Mr. Vijaya Samarawickrama also imparted his knowledge and skill of the precious Asian theatre widely known as wayang kulit. In this first session of the wayang kulit learning workshop held on 12 January, participants were taught the knowledge of ancient wayang kulit techniques as well as the skills of producing a puppet befitting a wayang kulit performance.

Inspired by decades-old Indonesian wayang kulit puppets which are intricately and artfully carved out of buffalo skin, participants produced their own masterpieces in a short span of time. These puppets were then used to re-enact simple children’s fables such as ‘the Tortoise and the Hare’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ as an opportunity to warm up and discover their inner wayang kulit expertise.

Wayang kulit performances are an extremely effective method to reach out to people as a form of entertainment as well as to impart moral values. Nalandians are therefore blessed to have Uncle Vijaya coaching us in this treasured form of story-telling.