Wayang kulit Kelantan: A case study on puppetry production innovation based on the kenaf tree

This qualitative method case study research intends to present a plant-based material that has never been utilised before to make wayang kulit Kelantan puppets. Kenaf, or its scientific name Hibiscus Cannabinus, was employed and then processed throughout the creative process, beginning with a small amount of kenaf tree dust mixed with water and ending with the final process of manufacturing those puppets. It is Malaysia’s first kenaf tree-based wayang kulit puppet. Apart from the researcher himself as an instrument by creating a ‘rapoot’ with these art activists while in the field of study, unstructured observation and interviews are among the key instruments in this study. The process of producing puppets that takes place is crucial in the analysis of the findings of this study. Five key factors have been identified as catalysts for this breakthrough. The use of kenaf in the manufacture of wayang kulit Kelantan puppets does not imply that the findings of this study have ruled out the use of animal skins entirely. It is an alternative or a different choice to making puppets out of animal skins. These reforms are considered as having the potential to retain the appeal of this country’s legacy theatre art, ensuring that it remains relevant and not neglected by the youth.