A UIC shadow theatre group was invited to perform at Shiu Pong College, the University of Macau (UM) on 21 March.
They were well received and greeted with enthusiastic applause by a UM audience, who were provided with a chance to experience the artistic charm backstage.
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| UIC shadow theatre group with UM staff, including College Master of Shiu Pong College Prof Kenneth Leung Wai-yin (3rd R 2nd row) |
Led by Teng Deqing, a teaching artist of UIC’s Shadow Puppet Drama Pavilion, the group was accompanied by Dr Andy Fung, Honorary Advisor of UIC’s WPEO-Arts and Cultural Development Centre (ACDC) and Associate Director of the Research Institute of Chinese Culture (RICC), and Jamie Dong, Coordinator of the ACDC.
Mr Teng and five students showed three plays. The first play “Wu Song Fighting a Tiger” was performed by Mr Teng. He skilfully manoeuvred the puppets of Wu Song and the tiger. Students then imitated the actions of the two animals in another play “The Turtle and the Crane”. The third one, on the human-ghost relationship, called for an emphasis on inner beauty. These three plays of various styles were thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
UM staff and students enjoy the shadow theatre performance
The five student performers were from UIC’s Traditional Art Club: Zheng Kai, Cai Chunzhi, Chen Jiachun, Wu Haiying and Huang Wenyan. The humorous commentary by Jamie Dong made the show more interesting. Many audience members seized the chance after the performance to see how it worked on the backstage and gave a try themselves.
UIC shadow theatre group
UIC’s Shadow Puppet Drama Pavilion is the only university studio in China to provide all the functions of collecting, educating and performing shadow puppetry. Teng Deqing is a lead artist of the intangible cultural heritage project in Hubei Province, who performed for former Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and many visitors worldwide.
Chinese shadow puppetry is a national cultural treasure. It has been included in the UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2011.
Editor: Deen He
(from RICC and ACDC, with special thanks to the ELC)
