An Inter-disciplinary Project
Five groups of young artists from various disciplines of NAFA journeyed to different parts Southeast Asia, to explore the rich heritage and traditions of various puppetry cultures. Through practice-led research, interviews with local artists and performing troupes, students gained multi-layered knowledge of this rare and dying art form. The fruits of their trips, documentaries reflecting the struggles and challenged faced by the local puppeteers and performers were showcased in exhibitions.
2015 - Myanmar (Mandalay) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)
A total of 38 students from the Theatre, Screen Media, Fine Art, Arts Management, Dance and Fashion Programmes participated in this project. A continuation of 2013’s inaugural ‘Silent Actors: Puppets of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand’, an exhibition titled ‘Silent Actors II: Puppets of Myanmar and Vietnam will be held from 25 September to 11 October 2015 at NAFA Lim Hak Tai Gallery.
2013 - Thailand (Hun Lakhon Lek)
20 students from the Departments of Theatre, Arts Management & Education, Design & Media and Music participated in this project. An exhibition titled An Interdisciplinary Project - Silent Actors: Puppets of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand marking the culmination of the work and practice by students was held from 3 to 21 April 2013 at NAFA Lim Hak Tai Gallery, with a special performance by students from Physical Theatre on the opening night.
2012 - Cambodia (Sbek Thom)
20 students from the Departments of Theatre, Arts Management & Education, Dance, Design & Media and Fine Art participated in this project. Documentaries and photos from the trip were showcased in Transcend Sbek Thom, which was held at NAFA Amphitheatre on 24 & 25 April 2012.
2011 - Malaysia (Kelantan Wayang Kulit)
18 students from the Departments of Theatre, Design & Media and Music participated in this project. Three documentaries produced by students, The Complete Artist, Beyond Kelantan: Voices of Wayang Siam and The Shadow of Kelantan were screened at NAFA Amphitheatre on 12 May 2011.