From Ritual to Performance: Tracing the Origins of Puppetry Theatre

This study examines the origin of puppet theatrical performance, tracing its development from early religious rituals to its contemporary form as a performing art. Employing a qualitative research design, the study integrates practice-led and ethnographic approaches to establish a critical understanding of puppetry as both cultural heritage and tourism resource. Data were collected primarily through in-depth interviews with international puppeteers and focused performance groups, supplemented by field observations at major puppetry events, including the Rainforest World Puppet Carnivals held in Kuching, Sarawak. Additional site visits were conducted in Beijing, Guangzhou, Yantai (China), and Yekaterinburg (Russia), enabling access to diverse puppetry traditions and practices. The data were analysed using the qualitative content analysis method, where professional advice and mentoring were leveraged and compiled through personal involvements within the industry at large.