Objective:

Students will learn about the shadow plays of Bali and Java.  They will learn about the Ramayana, a popular story that is traditionally performed in Wayang Kulit (leather shadow puppets).  Students will be assigned a part from a reader’s theater play and create a puppet using cardboard for the character that they have been assigned.  Finally, students will perform their own play using their puppets.

Materials:

• Crayola GelFX (Gel Effects) Markers
• Sargent Art Metallic Tempera – Gold, 8 oz
• paint brushes
• 9″ x 12″ chipboard cardboard
• scissors
• paper fasteners
• Heavy Duty Screw Punch
• Self Healing Green Cutting Mat 8.5 x 12 inches

Resources:

• 
  Rama and the Demon King

• Rama and Sita: A Tale from Ancient Java
• Wayang Kulit Powerpoint Presentation
• Balinese Dance, Drama and Music: A Guide to the Performing Arts of Bali
  
• Indonesian Folktales (World Folklore Series)

Activities:

• view the introductory presentation about Wayang Kulit.

• read the book Rama and the Demon King: An Ancient Tale from India or Rama and Sita: A Tale from Ancient Java.  The illustrations in Rama and Sita are excellent examples of Wayang Kulit, but the text is a little high for grade three.  Rama and the Demon King is clear, accessible and brief.  Sometimes I show the illustrations from Rama and Sita and read the text from Rama and the Demon King.
• Assign students a part from a Reader’s Theater Play.
• Design the puppet in a sketchbook.  I have found that it works best to have students only have a moving arm that is articulated at the shoulder and the elbow.  Many students want to have a wagging tail or a moving mouth, but if you have a large class size (like I do) it can be difficult to coach the students to make parts for these ideas that are large enough to put a paper fastener through without ripping the puppet.  Model a few designs on the board and show how to make a face in profile.
• Draw the puppet on a piece of cardboard and color with Gel Effects Markers.  Paint on highlights with gold tempera paint.
• Cut out the puppet and assemble using a screw punch, cutting mat and paper fasteners.
• Atatch a wire to the body and a wire to the hand so the puppeteer can move the puppet.
• Perform your puppet show with a sheet hung up in front of an overhead projector.