Moving Shadows: Puppet Theatre in Indonesia and Beyond
September 17, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Institute for Human Science and Culture | 73 S. College St. Akron, OH 44325
Discover the magic of Indonesian shadow puppetry!
Wayang kulit—Indonesia’s ancient tradition of shadow puppetry—brings epic stories to life using intricately carved leather puppets, vibrant music, and the skill of a single master puppeteer. These captivating performances, rooted in myth, continue to reflect modern-day issues and inspire new forms of art. From comic books to hip hop to video games, wayang’s influence lives on. In this dynamic and interactive talk, scholar and puppeteer Jennifer Goodlander will introduce audiences to this remarkable performance tradition and share how it continues to shape theatre and storytelling around the world.
All attendees will receive free admission to the Institute galleries, including the ongoing East to West exhibit. Please RSVP for this free event using the link below.
About Jennifer Goodlander
Jennifer Goodlander is an Associate Professor at Indiana University in the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance where she teaches classes on Asian performance, directing, and intercultural performance. She is also the Director of the Southeast Asian and ASEAN Studies Program. Jennifer has published numerous articles and two books: Women in the Shadows: Gender, Puppets, and the Power of Tradition in Bali (Ohio University Press, 2016) and Puppets and Cities: Articulating Identities in Southeast Asia (Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2018). Jennifer remains active as a director and has performed Balinese wayang kulit, or shadow puppetry, at international festivals and around the United States.
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