The origin of shadow play

Shadow play was invented by Li Shaoweng in Han Dynasty.

Li Furen, the beloved princess of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, died of illness. She missed him in a trance and ignored the affairs of state affairs all day long. Minister Li Shaoweng went out one day, and the children in Lu Yu were playing with dolls in their hands, and the shadows were vividly displayed on the ground. Li Shaoweng's heart moved. He carved the image of Li Furen with cotton and silk, colored it, and put wooden poles on his hands and feet. In the evening, the emperor was invited to sit in his tent and watch with square curtains and candles. Emperor Wu was so happy that he couldn't put it down.

Shadow play is a kind of folk drama, which uses light sources such as candles or burning alcohol to illuminate the silhouette of people made of animal skins or cardboard to perform stories. During the performance, artists manipulated the opera characters behind the white curtain, sang stories with local popular tunes (sometimes in dialects), accompanied by percussion instruments and strings, which had a strong local flavor.

The Artistic Features of Shadow Play

Shadow play is a folk art form in China. Longdong Shadow Play in Gansu, northwest of China, is mainly distributed in Pingliang and Qingyang counties, and the triangle bordering Shaanxi and Ningxia in the east is relatively concentrated.

The skills and singing skills of performing shadow play are the key to the level of shadow play class. The exercises and vocals were written by Master from heart and practiced through long-term hard study. During the performance, artists have the ability to manipulate shadow puppeteers and musical instruments to make up for the chorus and take care of the chorus at the same time. Some experts can shoot seven or eight filmmakers at the same time. Martial arts scene in full swing, shadow people gun rolling up and down, very lively. However, the music and singing in the field of literature are full of charm and beautiful. Or passionate or lingering, there are joys and sorrows, full of emotions and feelings, touching.