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Operating the Shadow Puppets

All groups of shadow play must follow these steps
1. Setting up
2. Fixing up the pannels
3. Prelude

4. Beginning the play
5. The Evening Monkeys:
In the past, the performance included this part where the black monkeys were the symbol of

evil and the white ones were a symbol of dharma (good). The parties fought and dharma would be the
victorious party. But the black monkeys have been banned from the show for at least 70 years now. This is
because the author never saw white and black monkeys fight in his life time and it was also confirmed to
him by some elders now over 90 years old.
6. The Hermit

It appears in the form of a magical and sacred teacher with the ability to ward off all evil and
all dangers. The spectators really appreciate that the hermit appears as the most important puppet figure and
is not just an another participant in the play.

7. Shiva (or bull)
The figure of a Shiva or bull is a sacred image in the shadow play. He is the god of
entertainment. The figure Kohusuparach or Nontip calls the Shiva image, of a bull or a holy cow. The
shadow troop is able to choose the four feet of the white bull, the hump, the Bai Pao (Pao leaf)forehead, the

white end tail strands, this kind of bull is very hard to find and is considered Mingmongkul (sacred). The
southern textbooks describe it as "spotted feet, the flower tail, the hump for hanging cloth, and the Poa leaf
face". The Usuparach bull is white but when carved onto a hide it is dyed black specifically to contrast with
the Shiva. According to the Brahrnin in the Hindu Religion the Shiva has 4 arms, the trident holder, the

Sagittarius, Khatha, and Lariat. The Shiva shadow puppet has only two, one that is holding a blade and the
other Pra Khan (sacred writings) so it appears as a beautiful stout figure.
8. Cha figure
It was representing the fighting occuring between Rama and Tosakan it was also dismissed from the show

along with the above mentioned monkeys.
9. Kat
It is a dark character bringing on a tensed atmosphere of dispute. Kat refers to a discussion
or an arguing, He is its representation in the shadow play. It is the figure of a young man dressed as the son

of a ruler. His hand is designed in a special manner with 4 fingers pointing out with the thumb and his other
hand bent almost vertically. He might be carrying a lotus flower, a flower bouquet, or a flag.

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