In late November 2025, Beijing, the capital of the Chinese mainland, hosted the premiere of a groundbreaking shadow puppet play based on the classic novel Dream of the Red Mansion.
Titled When Baoyu and Daiyu Shared the Pages of the Western Chamber, this production was translated into English and French with support from Beijing Foreign Studies University, marking a significant step in bringing traditional Chinese arts to a global stage.
Lin Zhonghua, head of shadow puppetry at the China Folk Literature and Art Association, praised the production’s innovation. He said, 'This multilingual production not only opens new channels for overseas performance and cultural exchange, but also fills a long-standing gap in the traditional shadow puppet repertoire by adapting a theme from Dream of the Red Mansion.'
By blending centuries-old shadow puppetry techniques with modern storytelling and multiple language tracks, the play offers an immersive experience that resonates with diverse audiences and challenges the boundaries of a centuries-old art form.
Looking ahead to 2026, organizers are exploring tours in Europe and North America, inviting even more global viewers to discover this vibrant fusion of literature and shadow art.
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'Dream of the Red Mansion' shadow puppet play premieres in Beijing
cgtn.com
