What happens when an Australian photographer falls in love with Thailand’s nang talung and Southeast Asia’s vibrant shadow puppet traditions? The result is a two-decade journey uncovering the stories, artistry, and cultural richness of this ancient performance art.
For 20 years, Constantine Korsovitis dedicated himself to documenting shadow puppetry, one of the world’s oldest storytelling traditions. His lens captured not only the performances but also the lives of the artists—puppeteers, craftsmen, and musicians—who keep this heritage alive across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia.
At the heart of these traditions lie timeless tales like the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, which blend seamlessly with music, philosophy, history, ritual, and education. Through these elements, shadow puppetry becomes more than a performance—it’s a living narrative of Southeast Asia’s rich cultural tapestry.
“My journey began in 1999 when I attended the International Shadow Puppet Festival in Jakarta,” Constantine recalls. “Watching performances back-to-back for three days inspired me to delve deeper. I wanted to document this art form and understand the lives of the people behind it.”
This passion led him to collaborate with Indonesia’s National Wayang Secretariat and participate in puppet festivals across the region. His first exhibition was held at the India International Centre in Delhi in 2001, followed by a showcase at the UNIMA Festival in Perth in 2010 and the Kelantan State Museum in 2016. By 2018, with support from Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, he exhibited his work at Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center.
For Constantine, shadow puppetry is more than a visual spectacle. It’s about the people behind the screens. “I wanted to photograph puppeteers in their homes rather than just on stage. Through conversations and intimate portraits, I hoped to reveal their true selves—not just as artists, but as individuals with incredible dedication and soul.”
His work culminated in A Life in Shadows, a stunning photography book featuring 168 images that capture the elegance and vitality of shadow puppetry. Published by River Books and priced at 1,200 THB, the book is available at leading bookstores like Kinokuniya, Asia Books, and River Books, as well as online through Amazon.
Most recently, Constantine showcased his work at the 27th Harmony World Puppet Innovation Festival 2024 at Thailand’s National Science Museum. His next exhibition will take place at Chakrabongse Villas in Bangkok on December 14, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
A Life in Shadows is more than a book—it’s a tribute to the resilience of cultural traditions in a rapidly changing world. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of art to bridge time and geography.
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