Wayang!

Fusing silent film, live traditional music and wayang storytelling, these performances journey across centuries of imagination and performance-making. Come and laugh, cry, wonder and be transported through works that transcend time, tradition and genre.

The evening opens with the 1917 film The Adventurer, starring Charlie Chaplin — reimagined in a way never before experienced. In place of a conventional silent-film score, the film is accompanied live by Caklempong, Negeri Sembilan’s own traditional instrument. Combined with piano, violin, and a creative plethora of percussion instruments, this new interpretation breathes fresh life into Chaplin’s timeless comedy, creating humour and humanity that transcends across cultures and generations.

Following the interval, audiences will encounter the mesmerising old world of wayang kulit with Malaysia’s 13th accredited Tok Dalang Pak Dain and Tintoy Chuo – designer of Fusion Wayang Kulit. Directed musically by Foo Mei Yi, this acclaimed production has captivated audiences worldwide. Now, the performance returns to the director’s home state, bringing this extraordinary theatrical experience to Negeri Sembilan audiences.

Concert Programme

6:30 pm Arrival of Guests

7:00 pm Charlie Chaplin meets Caklempong | 1917 Film ‘The Adventurer’ by Charlie Chaplin with music such as Abreu’s Tico-tico, P Ramlee Getaran Jiwa. Rossini’s William Tell, as well as improvisations by the musicians

7:40 pm Interval

8:00 pm The Legend of Seri Lama | Fusion Wayang Kulit performs ‘The Legend of Seri Lama’ with music such as Lou Harrison’s Varied Trio, Jack Body and Wayan Yudane’s Paradise Regained, Evan Ziporyn’s Pondok, as well as improvisations by the musicians

8:40pm End of Event

Performers

(1) Charlie Chaplin meets Caklempong

• Ujang (caklempong)
• Hiew Tze Jia (piano/arranger)
• Ooi Tek Yi (violin)
• Joachim Lim (percussion)

Ujang Caklempong

(2) The Legend of Seri Lama

• Foo Mei Yi (piano/producer)
• Bartosz Woroch (violin),
• Joachim Lim (percussion)
• Pak Dain (Tok Dalang)
• Tintoy Chuo (Fusion Wayang Kulit)

Fusion Wayang Kulit is an award-winning team from Malaysia, founded by Tintoy Chuo and Take-Huat in 2012, working closely with the 13th accredited Master Puppeteer: Mr. Pak Dain. This team is invested in reviving this traditional shadow puppetry art by merging it with pop culture and Sci-fi icons such as Star Wars, DC superheroes and Japanese mecha. They have been featured on CNN, Wall Street Journal, BBC UK, NZZ Folio, Nikkei Asia amongst others.

This event is presented as part of the Nine Arts Festival from 14th August 2026 - 16th August 2026. To learn more about the festival, visit https://www.cloudjoi.com/collections/nine-arts-festival-2026/ or https://www.nineartsfestival.com.