Wayang kulit pupil Murshid Mohd Hussain, 37, is pleased with his Malay heritage. And he is going all out to preserve its wealthy tradition.
The Penangite has been studying wayang kulit since 2005, and he is captivated by this historic Malaysian efficiency artwork type.
“There’s something unique about wayang kulit. I especially love how the stories told combine humour and drama… and the storytelling is so engaging, using traditional instruments to create mood. It’s interesting how everything comes together in the hands of one person – the Tok Dalang (master puppeteer),” says Murshid, who was in Kuala Lumpur just lately for a wayang kulit efficiency.
At the occasion, Murshid had the alternative to be the puppet grasp alongside his trainer, Tok Dalang Mohd Jufry Yusoff.
“My biggest challenge is creating a story that engages the audience. As the script is done impromptu, I have to ensure the story is interesting and substantial, and entertaining too. It’s also important to give a contemporary twist to wayang kulit which is an ancient art form to appeal to audiences,” shares Murshid, who has over 17 years of expertise in wayang kulit.
Wayang kulit and its devices are a mirrored image of the conventional Malay cultural diaspora, says Murshid. Photo: Sheela ChandranThe senior cultural officer of Universiti Sains Malaysia Cultural Centre has at all times been keen on Malay arts, tradition and traditions. Growing up in Kampung Melayu in Air Itam, he was launched to cultural performances like boria, Mak Yong, silat, and different musical genres.
“This awoke my interest in traditional arts and culture. I chose to enroll in wayang kulit lessons because there’s something unique in this ancient art form,” explains the USM graduate, who majored in drama and theatre.
He says many might not realise that the music in wayang kulit performs an integral half in every efficiency because it helps to evoke emotional responses in audiences.
The musical preparations are created with a particular goal, associated to the completely different characters and completely different conditions and are meant to draw out a variety of various feelings, whether or not unhappy, comfortable, pleasure, worry and so forth.
Music additionally helps create construct up in the dramatic scenes or levity in the comedic scenes.
“The music helps set the tempo and the tone for each performance,” Murshid says.
Murshid lists seven musical devices which are generally utilized in a wayang kulit efficiency.
Tok Dalang Mohd Jufry (centre) performs the gendang whereas guiding his son Muhammad Rayyan Rizqin, 12, to carry out wayang kulit whereas his daughter Nurin Wanie Qistina, 15, performs the gedombak. Photo: The Star/Zhafaran Nasib
Serunai: This instrument is constructed from the trunk of a jack fruit tree. It is often made in two completely different lengths: ibu (mom) and anak (little one). It is lengthy and conical with a bell-shaped decrease finish that is made out of hardwood.
Geduk: This instrument is comparable to the gendang (drums), with two flat surfaces. The drum floor is constructed from cow disguise or goat disguise.
Gendang: This two-headed membranophone is additionally crafted from goatskin or cowhide. The physique is carved from wooden, and it is barely curved in direction of the bigger round a part of the drum.
Gedombak: This pear-shaped drum is an vital instrument in the musical ensembles of wayang kulit Kelantan, Mak Yong and the Thai shadow play nang talung, the place it is referred to as tharp.
Gong: This percussion instrument originates in East Asia and Southeast Asia. These flat metallic discs are crafted from bronze alloy and copper.
Canang: This instrument is constructed from both copper or bronze. A mallet is used to produce a sustained sound.
Kesi: Also often called finger cymbals, these percussion devices comprise one or two pairs of small cymbals. Each cymbal measures about two inches in diameter and is joined to one another with a string.
