Thailand’s Shadow Puppet

John Michael Gian

 Contents
Introduction
Performance

Common Themes

Two Types of Nang

Character
• Shadow puppet
(Thai: Nang) was one
form of public
entertainment in the
south of Thailand.
• It is usually
performed during the
country's dry season
(February to August).
• It is still very popular
at village festivals,
temple fairs, and
celebrations such as
marriages.
• Its characters are
made from
intricately cut out
and articulated
shapes of leather.
• They are delicately
colored, but this does
not show during a
performance.
• They are manipulated
with rods that control
movements of the arms
and legs.
 The puppets are colorful but really they do
not have to be because you only see the black
shadows. In the second picture you can see the
people holding the puppets. Normally you can
see only the shadows like in the third picture.
• Has a religious theme or has an episode from
the Ramayana epic which contains dozens of
individual stories. They may also be specially
written to include reflections, songs, and poems
about local events.
• There are hundreds of characters each with a
distinctive shadow, but the show will almost
always include a comedian who are great
favorites with the fun - loving audiences.
• Mr. Suchart Sapsin, he is a man of many talents.
He is not only an expert in the craft of making
the puppets but he is also an award - winning
writer and poet. He is narrator, speaking or
singing all the parts using different voices, and
he is a superb mimic.
 Nang recites tales of
the gods and
contemporary people
through stories of love,
current events, and
tradition. The shadow
puppets used in the
Nang represent the 312
norms and mores of
Thai society.
• Family conflict
• Adventures of a
hero
• Romantic tales
• Magic
• People seeking
lost loved ones
• The Nang attempts to relay
to the audience the
importance of Thai
ideologies in a changing
world, however, historical
events remain fundamental
in performances.
• The association with Karma
act as allegories for Buddhist
morality and philosophy.
• And it is usually performed
during the country's dry
season (February to
August).
• Made with leather • Made of cowhide
• Each characters are and/or rattan
separated • May have decorated
• Has movable, jointed scenes
arm • Doesn’t have jointed
• 50 centimeters high arms
• Two meters high
• Consists of 5-10 puppeteers and musicians
• Nai Nang-teachers and presenters of Nang Talung
• Nai Nangs hide themselves in wooden/bamboo
shelters
• The performances run from dusk to dawn and
incorporate narration, songs, prose, and the
performer's improvised dialogue.
• The rhythm and fluidity of each performance is
essential in maintaining audience interest, thus the
Nai Nang must vary their techniques and story lines.
 • Gods and
goddesses
• Kings and queens
• Magical figures
• Comedians

It is the Nai Nang's responsibility to act as an

intermediary between the community and the gods,
thus the Nang and its producers are highly respected
and greatly entwined into Thailand's cultural fibers.
 literally means skin or hide.
Nang Yai is the source of modern mask dance.
1. The shadow puppets in Thailand are
_________.
a. Leather Monkey Show
b. Nang
c. Togalu Gombeyaata
d. Wayang Kulit
2. The puppet given is an example of:
a. Nang Talung c. Wayang Golek
b. Nang Yai d. Wayang Kulit
3. ___________ is played with leather
puppets, each representing a separate
character and usually possess a movable,
jointed arm controlled by a string.
a. Nang Talung c. Wayang Golek
b. Nang Yai d. Wayang Kulit
4. The characters in Nang are the
following, except___________.
a. gods and goddesses,
b. kings and queens,
c. magical figures
d. current events
5. It is the teacher and presenter
of Nang Talung.
a. Sida c. Nang Yai
b. Ramayana d. Nai Nang