Photographer Eric Peris looks into the concept of the 'inner spirit' in traditional arts

Peris's Mak Yong Primadona Mak Su Doing The Menhadap Rebab (digital on black and white printed on Hahnemuhle Matt Fine Art). Photos: Eric Peris

The concept of the semangat and the angin may sound peculiar to most people. These otherworldly terms are deeply rooted in our traditional folk culture.

They talk about the “spirit” that exists within a person, a certain force that performers – of traditional and ritualistic art forms such as the mak yong or menora – tap into once on stage.