Modernity puts traditional shadow puppets in the shade
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, April 25, 2017
Two warriors in ancient costume fight ferociously. Suddenly, to the dramatic sound of drums a red-faced warrior pulls out his sword before beheading his white-faced enemy.
This is not a scene from a film, but a traditional Chinese shadow puppet performance, where colored silhouette figures made from cow hide show how Guan Yu, a prominent ancient general, fought during his many battles.
Behind the curtain is the soul of the performance -- puppeteer Wang Biao. Using his flexible hands, and voice, he makes the small figures stroke their beards, nod their heads, wave their hands and curse others.
"This performing art has run in my family for seven generations," said Wang, 52, from Langzhong city in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Despite its long history, shadow puppetry is under threat from modern entertainment alternatives such as television and cinema.
Wang is trying to bring people's attention back to the traditional art. With the support of a national fund, he is currently teaching 20 students from across the country to learn the skills needed to master the puppets.
"I hope that such folk culture will survive the threat of modernity and thrive in the future," he said.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)