Two-Day Shadow Puppetry Workshop with Dr Wayan Dibia – Bali in Bengaluru
About the Event
Discover the Art of Shadow Puppetry

Step into the fascinating world of shadow puppetry through a two-day, hands-on workshop led by Padma Shri awardee Dr Wayan Dibia and team, presented as part of Bali in Bengaluru.

This immersive workshop takes participants behind the screen to explore how shadow puppetry transforms carefully crafted puppets, light, movement, voice and music into storytelling.

Across two days, participants will discover the complete creative process — from understanding how puppets are designed and crafted to learning how they can be brought to life through movement and shadow.

The workshop combines live demonstrations, storytelling, puppet-making and performance, giving participants an opportunity to experience the art form from multiple perspectives.

Rather than simply watching a shadow-puppet performance, attendees can engage with the artistic process directly and learn from master puppeteers.

Make the puppet. Move the puppet. Give it a story.

A Two-Day Immersive Workshop

The workshop takes place over two days, providing participants with time to explore the different stages involved in shadow puppetry.

Day 1 – 11 October 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Day 2 – 12 October 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Each day offers four hours of immersive learning and practical exploration.

The two-day format allows participants to move beyond a basic introduction and engage more deeply with the process of creating and performing with shadow puppets.

Part of Bali in Bengaluru

The workshop is presented as part of Bali in Bengaluru, a cultural programme bringing elements of Balinese artistic traditions to Bengaluru.

Shadow puppetry offers a unique window into storytelling practices where visual forms, light, movement and sound come together.

Through this workshop, participants can engage directly with practitioners and explore the art form through practical experience.

Led by Dr Wayan Dibia and Team

The workshop is led by Padma Shri awardee Dr Wayan Dibia and team.

Participants have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced practitioners and gain insight into the artistic techniques involved in shadow puppetry.

The facilitator-led format combines demonstrations with hands-on participation, creating an environment focused on exploration and learning.

Explore the Art Behind the Screen

Shadow puppetry is often experienced from the audience side of the screen.

This workshop offers a different perspective by taking participants behind the screen to understand how the illusion is created.

Participants can explore the role of:

Puppets
Light
Shadow
Movement
Voice
Music
Storytelling

These elements work together to transform a simple puppet into a character within a live performance.

Live Demonstrations by Master Puppeteers

A key component of the workshop is the opportunity to observe live demonstrations by master puppeteers.

Demonstrations can help participants understand the practical relationship between the puppet, light source, screen and performer.

Watching experienced practitioners manipulate puppets also provides a foundation for participants before they begin experimenting with the techniques themselves.

Discover How Puppets Are Designed

The workshop explores the creative process behind the puppet itself.

Participants will discover how puppets are designed and crafted for shadow performance.

The design of a puppet plays an important role in how its silhouette appears behind the screen and how its character can be represented through movement.

Understanding this process gives participants a greater appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in shadow puppetry.

Hands-On Puppet-Making

One of the highlights of the workshop is puppet-making.

Participants can explore the process of creating a puppet rather than simply watching an existing one being used.

This practical experience helps connect the creative design process with the performance stage, showing how a handmade object can eventually become part of a story.

Light and Shadow Transform Puppets into Characters

The defining feature of shadow puppetry is the interaction between light and shadow.

The workshop explores how a puppet's silhouette can be transformed into a recognisable character through careful positioning and movement.

Participants can discover how changes in light, distance and movement affect what the audience sees on the screen.

This turns a simple physical object into a visual storytelling tool.

Bringing Stories to Life

A puppet becomes a character through more than its design.

The workshop also explores how movement, voice and music contribute to storytelling.

These elements work together to create personality, emotion and narrative.

Participants can experience how a story develops when visual performance is combined with sound and movement.

Explore Movement and Performance

Shadow puppetry is an art of controlled movement.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore how puppets are manipulated to create different actions and bring characters to life.

The workshop introduces the connection between movement and storytelling, helping attendees understand how even simple gestures can contribute to a larger narrative.

Voice and Music in Shadow Puppetry

Storytelling in shadow puppetry does not happen through visuals alone.

Voice and music add another layer to the performance, helping create atmosphere and communicate the story.

The workshop allows participants to see how these elements interact with puppet movement and visual silhouettes to create a complete performance.

From Making the Puppet to Making It Move

The workshop follows a creative journey from puppet-making to performance.

Participants can experience the progression of the art form:

Create

Explore how the puppet is designed and crafted.

Illuminate

Understand how light and shadow transform the puppet's form.

Move

Learn how the puppet can be manipulated to create actions and characters.

Perform

Combine movement, voice and music as part of storytelling.

Tell a Story

Discover how all these elements come together in a shadow-puppetry performance.

A Learning Experience Beyond Performance

This is not simply a show to watch.

The workshop is designed to provide direct, practical engagement with shadow puppetry, allowing participants to understand both the craftsmanship and performance aspects of the art.

By combining demonstrations, storytelling, puppet-making and performance, the workshop provides a broader perspective on how traditional puppetry works.

What to Expect
Introduction to Shadow Puppetry

Explore the basic principles of the art form and understand how performances are structured.

Live Demonstrations

Watch experienced Balinese practitioners demonstrate shadow-puppetry techniques.

Puppet-Making

Discover how puppets are designed and crafted.

Light and Shadow

Explore how lighting creates the silhouettes seen behind the screen.

Movement Techniques

Learn how puppets are moved to create characters and actions.

Storytelling

Discover how stories come alive through visual performance.

Voice and Music

Understand how sound contributes to the overall performance.

Hands-On Learning

Participate directly in the creative and performance process.

Experience Shadow Puppetry from Within

One of the defining features of the workshop is that participants do not remain passive observers.

The hands-on format allows attendees to experience the art from within the ensemble and creative process.

From shaping the puppet to learning how it moves and contributes to a story, participants can gain a more direct understanding of the techniques and ideas behind shadow puppetry.

Discover a Traditional Art Form Through Practice

Traditional performing arts can often be best understood through participation.

By making, handling and performing with puppets, participants can develop an appreciation for the skill, coordination and storytelling involved in the art.

The workshop offers a space to explore these elements under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

A Creative Workshop for Curious Learners

The two-day format provides room to experiment and learn gradually.

Participants can observe demonstrations, try their hand at puppet-making, explore movement and understand how different artistic elements combine to create a final performance.

The experience is designed around curiosity, creativity and direct engagement.

Seating Arrangement

Seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early to complete entry procedures and settle into the workshop space.

Recommended Arrival Time

Guests are recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for a seamless entry experience.

This allows adequate time for entry and security procedures before the workshop begins.

Entry and Security Guidelines

By accepting, holding or using a ticket, attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, accepted and agreed to the full terms and conditions.

The organiser reserves the right of admission.

Entry is permitted only after a thorough security check and through designated entrances.

Guests are requested to cooperate with the venue and organiser throughout the entry process.

Ticket Policy

Except as specifically stated, tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, cancelled or returned once purchased.

The organiser and venue are not liable for issues arising from unauthorised copies or reproductions of tickets.

Guests should retain their original ticket and booking information for admission.

Safety and Personal Property

The organiser does not accept responsibility for injury to persons or for loss of or damage to personal property brought to the event.

Attendees are advised to take reasonable care of their belongings throughout the workshop.

Cooperation and Venue Rules

Guests are requested to cooperate with the organiser and venue management at all times.

The event is subject to the rules and regulations of the event organiser and venue management.

The organiser may modify the terms and conditions from time to time at its discretion.

Personal Information and Privacy

To ensure a high-quality user experience, the organiser may collect certain information during booking, registration or payment.

This may include personally identifiable information such as:

Name
Email address
Phone number

Such information may be collected in accordance with the applicable Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Event Lineup and Performances

Any secondary performances, if applicable, and the event lineup are subject to the artist's discretion.

The organiser may also make changes to the event terms in accordance with the applicable conditions.

Experience the Two-Day Shadow Puppetry Workshop

The Two-Day Shadow Puppetry Workshop with Dr Wayan Dibia and team offers participants a hands-on opportunity to explore one of Bali's distinctive storytelling traditions as part of Bali in Bengaluru.

Taking place on 11 and 12 October 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day, the workshop moves through the different stages of shadow puppetry — from designing and crafting puppets to understanding light and shadow, exploring movement and bringing stories to life through voice and music.

With live demonstrations, storytelling, puppet-making and performance, participants can learn directly from experienced practitioners and experience the art form beyond the audience's view.

The workshop offers a creative journey from making the puppet to making it move and tell a story, providing a direct connection to the techniques and traditions behind shadow puppetry.

Seating is first-come, first-served, and guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the workshop for a smooth entry.

Discover the craft. Explore the shadows. Create a character. Tell a story.