Little puppeteers add vitality to ancient folk art
Updated: 2014-11-13 15:13
By Jiang Wanjuan(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
||||||||
Li Ming, founder of shadow puppetry performing troupe The Little Ants. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
At the same time, very few young people are interested in learning shadow puppetry, a skill that takes time and devotion but does not promise a bright future.
But for Li and Yang, shadow puppetry has become a career that to them is worthy of a lifetime.
Promoting folk art in a modern city in no easy job, and Li feels relieved that the most difficult time, when they first started, has passed. Several times, the troupe suffered severe financial crises and had no money to pay the staff.
The situation for The Little Ants has gotten much better after shadow puppetry was listed as a world-class cultural heritage in 2011. Li's small business has been boosted, as well as the team's confidence. "I myself alone might be too small to pass on the heritage," said Yang. "But I will do my own best to carry on what I am doing."
The young troupe also has used their creativity and modern sense to attract a wider audience, including children and young people. Through the Internet, they are able to give the traditional art a modern twist, by adapting the latest cartoon characters, music and stories into their plays.
"My dream is to continue promoting shadow puppetry and providing more job opportunities to little people, especially those from the rural areas," said Li. "I hope more people will understand shadow puppetry through us, and notice that we little people are able to do something great too."
- Culture Insider: Chic items in ancient China
- Long-term visas issued for China, US citizens
- The most people dine on the beds
- Airshow China soars to success in Zhuhai
- Xi, Obama agree on major-country ties
- Wives work to boost cultural exchanges among economies
- Express delivery bursts in Singles' Day
- Veterans day parade in the US
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Forbes sees Xi as world's third most powerful person |
Special: APEC China 2014 |
Reporting on the route to Tibet |
Young students seek a different class of education |
Foundations of financial folly |
Top 10 richest Chinese in 2014 |
Today's Top News
Recalibrating China-US relations
US-China climate pact to pressure other countries
Yili closes deal with DFA in setting up US dairy plant
Express delivery bursts in Singles' Day
Veterans day parade in the US
Visit brings schools closer
Anbang US hotel deal raises queries
A stroll sets stage for diplomacy
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |