A recent bilingual shadow puppetry art exchange at Beijing Foreign Studies University drew local talents and international teens, including students from the Valley Christian Schools in the United States. Combining lectures, live performances and hands-on workshops, the event offered a deep dive into the Chinese mainland's rich traditional culture.
Artists from the Beijing Longzaitian Shadow Puppet Theater mesmerized the audience with two classic tales: “The Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven” and “Chang'e Flying to the Moon”. Each story was brought to life through light, movement and a bilingual narration that bridged Mandarin and English storytelling.
In the hands-on segment, theater artists guided eager participants in crafting their own shadow puppets. Many students stepped onto the stage, experimenting with gestures—waving arms, turning around and leaping—to animate their creations.
The exchange highlighted how traditional art forms can foster cultural curiosity and cross-border dialogue. For the teens, the workshop was more than entertainment—it was an invitation to explore heritage, creativity and global connections.
Reference(s):
Bilingual shadow puppet show amazes teens from China and beyond
cgtn.com
