Abstract
The main objective of this study is to identify the similarities and differences between Malay and Tamil tradition of shadow-play. The design of this study is qualitative in nature using descriptive analysis methods based on Comparative literature theory. The researcher had collected and studied the similarities and differences in the Malay and Tamil tradition shadow-play. The findings of the study show that Malay and Tamil tradition of shadow-play have significant similarities in terms of story and form of puppets as the shadow-play in Malaysia have Hindu influences from Java or Pattani. However, many Malay shadow-plays have also been adapted and adopted to the culture and tastes of the local community, especially with the comic relief, that is often found throughout the Malay tradition of the shadow-play, as a local element. This comparative study will further strengthen the links between the Malay and Tamil communities that have co-existed for generations. The research claims to be the first such attempt to do a comparative study in finding the similarities and differences between Malay and Tamil tradition of shadow-play.
Highlights
The earliest shadow-play existed in China and India at the same time
The main objective of this study is to identify the similarities and differences between Malay and Tamil tradition of shadow-play
Many Malay shadow-plays have been adapted and adopted to the culture and tastes of the local community, especially with the comic relief, that is often found throughout the Malay tradition of the shadow-play, as a local element
Summary
The earliest shadow-play existed in China and India at the same time. Chinese made shadowplays are spread to Mongolia, Persia and Central Asia. Whereas Indian shadow-play had spread to Indonesia, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand through the Chola Dynasty. The shadowplay that existed in northern India expanded into southern India including Tamil Nadu during the Maratha Dynasty that existed in Thanjavur in 1676 (Vengkadasamy, 1985). Shadow-play is a very popular type of traditional theater among the people of Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and China. Shadow-plays are performed by utilizing the principles of light and shadow with puppets made up of various characters from the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. Performing a shadow-play is usually accompanied by a group of playful or graceful musicians as well as blasts or stringed instruments
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