Southeast Asian Adaptations of the Ramayana and their Use in the Indonesian-Malaysian Shadow Play with Special Reference to Characterization

Abstract

The Ramayana may be encountered in several versions in Southeast Asia, demonstrating significant variations as well as mutual influences within the region itself and also further appropriations when it comes to the vast diversity of performing arts active in the region. Apart from significant shifts in plot as well as interpretations of the Ramayana, particularly through attempts to localize it, one of the most fascinating areas in which transformations have taken place is characterization. The present paper will examine characterization within the epic in two examples of the shadow play —  the Indonesian wayang kulit purwa and the Malaysian wayang kulit Kelantan.