Potehi Glove Puppet Theatre of Penang

The glove puppet theatre of East and Southeast Asia – known as potehi ­­– is one of the oldest and best-loved performing arts traditions. This bilingual multimedia box set – containing a lavishly illustrated book, a charming flipbook, a spectacular stage pop-up, attractive posters and a captivating performance DVD – presents a comprehensive account of the rich history and current practice of potehi in Penang, Malaysia. Starting with an historical account of how glove puppet theatre came to Penang and its ritualistic roots, the authors trace every aspect of the heritage, principles and techniques of four present-day troupes: the performers, patrons and audiences; the rituals and celebrations; the anatomy of the stages and the puppets themselves; the stories, scripts and music; and the control and manipulation of the puppets. Based on extensive research and observation, Potehi Glove Puppet Theatre of Penang brings to life the artistry of the magical world of puppets and puppet theatre – and passes it on to a new generation.

The authors of Potehi Glove Puppet Theatre of Penang belong to Kar-wan Potehi (Friends of Potehi), a collective of artists and researchers who aim to revitalise the art of potehi puppetry through documentation, publications, exhibitions and performances by means of collaborative research and community engagement. Tan Sooi Beng is professor of ethnomusicology at Universiti Sains Malaysia and has developed strategies for collaborative research with communities. Liew Kung Yu is a multidisciplinary visual artist who also works with communities. Ong Ke Shin is a PhD candidate in geography at Universiti Sains Malaysia and has worked on oral history projects for George Town World Heritage Incorporated. Foo Wei Meng is the programme manager at Arts-ED Penang. Chew Win Chen is a visual artist whose practice spans photography, video, performance and community engagement.

Publisher: George Town World Heritage Incorporated

Hardback

2017

ISBN: 9789671228180