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Puppets Tell Tales of Old: Unique Man-and-pupppet Show in Lingao
 Puppet show is an old art form first taking
shape in the South Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and enjoying a variety of genres in
the long course of its development. For most of its genres, performers always
stand behind the screen controlling puppets. But the puppet show in Lingao
County, Hainan Province, is an exception. With performers playing puppets on the
stage, the man-and-puppet show in Lingao has been popular as a major
entertainment among local people.
An Art Form Still Flourishing on the island
Province
While puppet show are losing popularity in other parts of the country, the
man-and-puppet show still flourishes in Lingao and is gaining more and more
interest among local people.
Located in the northern tip of Hainan, the country's southernmost island
province, Lingao is where migrants from Zhuang ethnic group from the mainland
inhabit.
Currently, locai people in Lingao appreciate two major theatric
entertainments. One is the indigenous Qiong opera whose singing is based on
Lingao dialect. The other is the man-and-puppet show, a favorite pastime for Lingao people.
Aside from the professional county theatric troupe, there are also 8
amateurish groups performing the man-and-puppet show in Lingao. The county
troupe has well-equipped facilities and its own theatre for performance; its
scenarios are written by professional playwrights. Amateurish groups, however,
usually perform in an impromptu manner. Four posts in an empty space can form a
makeshift stage.With an old piece of cloth as a backdrop and simple lights,
amateurish performers play the puppet show for passers-by.
Villagers seem to enjoy amateurs' show more than the county troupe's
professional performance. Because amateurish performers are farmers themselves,
they know very well what their peers like. Amateurs play in simple dressing and
makeup; their piots and dialogues are produced in an impromptu manner. Whatever
audiences like, amateurs will play it on the stage. Although stories are
stereotyped, they are presented in a way familiar to commonplace people, which
makes them feel comfortable and pleasant.
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Puppet show is an old art form first taking
shape in the South Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and enjoying a variety of genres in
the long course of its development. For most of its genres, performers always
stand behind the screen controlling puppets. But the puppet show in Lingao
County, Hainan Province, is an exception. With performers playing puppets on the
stage, the man-and-puppet show in Lingao has been popular as a major
entertainment among local people.
