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Shan Puppet Theater to Tour in the US

  • Date:2022-07-30

Shan Puppet Theater(山宛然客家布袋戲團), an internationally acclaimed Taiwanese puppetry troupe, will be touring in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Detroit, and Ann Arbor this August. The troupe will be presenting “Mischiefs/Adventures in Crystal Palace (大鬧水晶宮)” and multiple puppet workshops. Audiences are sure to enjoy the unique aesthetics of Taiwanese classical hand puppetry through intricate puppets, expert puppetry, and lively music.

Hand puppet shows, also known as Zhangshang xi (drama of the palm of the hand) or Budai ji (cloth bag drama), have been a tradition in Taiwan for centuries. Traditional hand puppet performances are conducted by two teams: the “front stage” team, who operate the puppets, and the “back stage” team, who perform the music. The plays are typically adaptations of classical novels that incorporate elements of history, mythology, or folk heroes.

In order to deliver a special treat to American audiences, two puppeteers and four musicians from Shan Puppet Theater will take part in performing “Mischiefs/Adventures in Crystal Palace.” The story is adapted from Journey to the West, a well-known Chinese novel published in the 16th century that is considered to be one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. The enchanting story includes exciting martial arts and exhilarating underwater scenes, which are sure to take the audience’s breath away.

At workshops, the troupe will demonstrate basic techniques for manipulating hand puppets and playing traditional Taiwanese musical instruments. Participants will have the opportunity to use intricate hand puppets and practice the instruments belonging to the troupe.

Shan Puppet Theater was founded by Wu-Shan Huang in 2002. When Huang was only ten, he became an apprentice for highly respected Taiwanese puppet master Tien-Lu Lee (李天祿). Being of Hakka origin, Huang also learned Hakka folk songs and opera from legendary Hakka singer Bi-Xia Lai (賴碧霞). Therefore, he decided to blend traditional puppetry with Hakka music and language to create a new path in order to share Hakka culture with a broader audience.

Shan Puppet Theater has performed around the world in countries such as Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, France, Argentina, and the United States.

Events:

(Please note that Mischiefs/Adventures in Crystal Palace will be performed in Hakka dialect with English and Mandarin supertitles.)


Thursday, August 4, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT

Online Lecture: “Hakka Culture and the Art of Taiwanese Hand Puppetry” -- A Conversation between DIA Puppet Curator Larry Baranski and Shan Puppet Theater founder Wu-Shan Huang.

Friday, August 12, 11:30am-12:30 pm CST

Puppet Workshop for Summer Camp Students
Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004

Saturday, August 13, 11:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00 pm CST

Puppet Workshop and Adventures in the Crystal Palace (Reception after the show)
Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004

Sunday, August 14, 1:00-3:00pm CST

Adventures in the Crystal Palace & Puppet Workshop
San Antonio Museum of Art: John L. Santikos Auditorium, 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215

Monday, August 15, 2:00-4:00pm CST

Adventures in the Crystal Palace & Puppet Workshop
Austin Public Library-Central Library: Special Event Center, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

Wednesday, August 17, 5:30-6:30 pm EDT

Puppet Workshop: part of the Campbell Terrace Music Series (free)
Dequindre Cut Greenway, Lafayette Entrance, Detroit, MI 48207

Saturday, August 20, 12:00-1:00 pm and 3:00-4:00 pm EDT

Mischiefs in Crystal Palace (free)
Detroit Film Theater, 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

Sunday, August 21, 2:00-4:00 pm EDT

Mischiefs in Crystal Palace & Puppet Workshop (free)
Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown Library, 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104