The 7th China Quanzhou International Puppet Festival, held in the historic city of Quanzhou in Fujian Province, has successfully concluded after four days of mesmerizing performances. This renowned festival, a testament to the city’s rich puppetry heritage, witnessed over 80 spectacular shows presented by 35 puppetry troupes from across 12 countries, including Spain, Russia, Italy, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Quanzhou, known as the birthplace of Chinese string puppetry, offered a platform for showcasing the high-level artistry of local puppeteers, leaving a lasting impression on both performers and audiences alike. Dating back to the Han Dynasty (202-220 B.C.), string puppetry in China is a celebrated traditional theater form that has been passed down through generations. Quanzhou’s puppeteers have preserved over 700 traditional plays, encapsulating rich folk beliefs and customs prevalent in marriages, funerals, and daily life.
Quanzhou string puppetry has evolved over time, diversifying its themes and narratives. The repertoire ranges from mythological retellings of ancient classics to contemporary societal reflections and enchanting fairy tales for children. This evolution in content is matched by the continuous innovation and preservation of puppetry skills by the artists, sustaining the art form’s vitality.
The craftsmanship of the puppets is a marvel in itself. Each puppet, meticulously crafted, is operated with 8 to 16 strings, with more complex performances requiring up to 36 strings. These strings, grouped according to human movements, are skillfully controlled by the puppeteers’ hands to create nuanced actions. Mastering actions like undressing, drawing a sword, or holding an umbrella requires immense skill and coordination, often necessitating the collaboration of multiple puppeteers.
To excel in string puppetry, mere technical proficiency is not sufficient. Puppeteers must also possess a deep understanding of the characters’ emotional worlds, drawing from their own life experiences to imbue the puppets with soul and authenticity.
Recognized for its cultural significance, Quanzhou string puppetry was inscribed into the first batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list on May 20, 2006. As the heartland of this art form, Quanzhou proudly stands as the first city in China to host an international puppet festival. Since its inception, the festival has been held six times prior, in 1986, 1990, 2000, 2015, 2017, and 2019, establishing a prestigious global platform for puppetry artists from around the world.
The 7th China Quanzhou International Puppet Festival not only celebrated the rich tradition of Chinese puppetry but also embraced the diversity of puppetry arts worldwide. This festival has become a significant cultural event, fostering international collaboration, and highlighting the universal appeal and artistic depth of puppetry as a storytelling medium. It serves as a vibrant meeting point for artists and enthusiasts, bridging cultures and connecting people through the timeless art of puppetry.
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