Teenagers from the Chinese mainland and the United States recently gathered at Beijing Foreign Studies University for a cross-cultural exploration of shadow puppetry, an ancient Chinese art form dating back over 2,000 years. The event blended vibrant performances with interactive workshops, showcasing China's intangible cultural heritage to a new generation of global citizens.
Artists from the Beijing Longzaitian Shadow Puppet Theater captivated audiences with bilingual renditions of "The Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven" and "Chang'e Flying to the Moon," mythological tales brought to life through intricate leather silhouettes and dynamic choreography. "Seeing students from different backgrounds react with equal wonder reminded us how art transcends language," said theater director Li Wei.
The program's hands-on component proved particularly popular, with participants learning puppet manipulation techniques and crafting their own paper-cut figures. Valley Christian Schools student Emily Carter described the experience: "Controlling the rods to make the puppets jump and spin felt like magic – it's incredible how much storytelling happens through light and motion."
Organizers emphasized the event's role in fostering cultural diplomacy through traditional arts. Similar exchanges are planned across Asia throughout 2024, targeting young audiences through digital platforms and in-person collaborations.
