Penglipur Lara
Reviving the art of the soothing storyteller through digital archives of ancient manuscripts and recorded recitals.
About the Project
Penglipur Lara represents the ancient Malay tradition of oral storytelling, where master narrators would weave tales of wisdom, morality, and entertainment. Our project aims to preserve these dying art forms through modern digital archiving and community engagement.
We work with the remaining Penglipur Lara masters to record their stories, document their techniques, and create educational materials that can be shared with schools and cultural institutions.
“In every story lies a lesson, in every tale lives our ancestors.”
Why We Preserve This
Cultural Education
Providing accessible, high-quality resources for schools and universities to teach the authentic history and techniques of Zapin.
Digital Archiving
Utilizing state-of-the-art motion capture to immortalize the ephemeral nature of dance into a permanent digital format.
Community Building
Revitalizing local community centers by organizing workshops and performances that bring people together through shared heritage.