Chinese shadow puppetry is a form of Chinese theatre that consists of colorful silhouettes made from leather or paper, accompanied by music and singing.
Chinese shadow puppetry describes the story of the beloved concubine of Emperor Wu of Han (156 BCE - 87 BCE) who died and magician Shao-weng promised to raise her spirit. There are several myths and legends about the origins of Chinese shadow puppetry. The best-known legend claims that Chinese shadow puppetry originated when Shao-weng raised the spirit of the queen's favorite concubine (156 BCE - 87 BCE).
Even though there are many early records of all types of puppetry in China, the first mention of Chinese shadow play only occurs during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). According to a book from 1235, the puppets were initially made of paper but were eventually made of colored leather or parchment. The stories were partly about the history and partly about fiction, but there were also comedies. In the early days, the screens were made of mulberry paper. The storytellers usually used the art to tell stories from the various war kingdoms of various nations or from Buddhist sources.
Puppeteers manipulate the puppets by using rods, creating the illusion that they are moving images on a translucent cloth screen that is illuminated from behind. Some older shadow puppeteers can perform dozens of traditional plays, which they have received orally or written down. These artists also use special techniques, such as singing spontaneously, falsetto at the same time, and playing different instruments. Talented puppeteers even can make figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod, and laugh by managing to move them in unpredictable ways.
Most puppeteers also carve their puppets and most have up to twenty-four moveable joints. Shadow plays are performed by larger troupes of seven to nine performers, as well as smaller troupes of two to five primarily during slack farming seasons. Some puppeteers are professional, while others are amateurs. They perform for entertainment, religious rituals, weddings, and funerals, as well as other special occasions.
Shadow puppetry is passed down from family to family, in troupes, and from master to pupil. Chinese shadow puppetry also promotes cultural values, social beliefs, and oral traditions. It is especially popular with the youth, as it spreads cultural values, promotes knowledge, and entertains the community.
Nowadays, puppets made of leather and moved with sticks are used to present dramatic versions of traditional myths and fairy tales. In Gansu, they are accompanied by Daoqing music, while in Jiangxi, the accompaniment is Huanglong music that forms a basis for modern opera.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/chinese-shadow-puppetry-00421) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_play#China)