Malaysian master puppeteer defends 'haram' wayang kulit in Kelantan

Muhammad Dain Othman commands the show behind the scenes during a wayang kulit performance. Photos: THE STAR/Chester Chin

The sound of a lonesome serunai pierces the night air at the small town of Wakaf Bharu in Kelantan. That singular note is then joined by the canang, gendang, rebab and a variety of other traditional instruments to form a rousing nostalgia-laced melody.

Suddenly, a trio of shadows with intricate designs dances against the white screen in front of us. Soon, a man’s raspy voice glides over the music, narrating tales of epic proportions.