For centuries, the art of Wayang Kulit has been performed by men. But on May 17th 2026, the National Art Gallery invites visitors to witness the feminine perspective in their event “Wayang Wanita Forum: Performance, Dialogue, and Research on Women in Wayang Kulit”.
Supported by Yayasan Hasanah, this full-day forum asks visitors to hear from leading female performers and researchers in the field and explore how the tradition is being practiced.
The forum showcases a powerhouse line-up of artists and researchers from Malaysia and Indonesia:
A special talk on “Ruwatan, Sacred Mediation, and the Calling of a Female Dalang” by Dr. Latifa Ramonita exploring the social and spiritual role of women in Wayang Kulit.
Performance Lectures: The artistry of Sri Harti Kenik Asmorowati on Female Characters in Solo Wayang, and the “Dalang Kembar” (twin Dalangs) Seruni Widawati & Seruni Widaningrum who will demonstrate Wayang Wahyu from the Catholic tradition. The focus is on the fecundity of the female body, and these performances aim to encapsulate that.
Panel discussions range from the evolution of Wayang storytelling to the lived realities of Kelantanese female practitioners.
Following Earth Month, the Wayang Wanita Forum is hosting an event for a unique take on a puppet-making workshop with acclaimed artist and educator Fairuz Sulaiman. Participants embark on a 2-hour creative journey of making your own Wayang ‘TEK-tek’ with recycled materials and a chance to bring your creation to life behind a screen.
Whether you’re an artist, researcher, or curious about local art, the Wayang Wanita Forum promises insightful discussions and creative as well as cultural sharing of a traditional Malaysian artform.
Tickets for the Wayang Wanita Forum can be purchased online through the CloudJoi platform. To secure your spot, visit the official event page on cloudjoi.com, select the “Book Now” option and choose your preferred ticket category.
