Pulling the strings as puppeteers gather in China to promote ancient art form

World
Europe

By CGTN's Zheng Yibing & Zhang Kai

47 puppet performance troupes from over 20 countries have gathered in the Chinese city of Nanchong in southwestern Sichuan Province for demonstrations and discussions on the traditional art form.

Various shows are being performed in indoor and outdoor theaters across Puppet Art Week, with thousands of people attending cultural events in the city.

A couple from Germany are among the first troupes to present a traditional marionette show. With a constantly changing cast of characters in a voyage around the world, they said this is what makes the show all the more dramatic.

A German couple were among the first troupes to present a traditional marionette show. /CGTN Photo

For the Germans, Puppet Art Week is a way to promote the ancient art of puppeteering and bring people closer together. They said their puppet performance is about uniting people with the universal languages of music, dance and laughter.

Some 700 artists from around the world will present performances, representing a range of different styles. Many have brought puppets which show the features of their nation's culture, as part of this international exchange.

Over 150 shows by 700 artists from around the world will be presented in Nanchong. /CGTN Photo

During the first day, an Egyptian troupe delivers their traditional culture. Their show is a poignant tale of a flautist who regains the ability to make people around him happy with the help of an angel. Through the performance, the puppeteers wanted to convey a specific idea; how to lend a hand to others and how to be happy through uniting with each other.

But there are also concerns for these puppeteers. Traditional puppet shows are losing their appeal nowadays.

Puppet shows are warmly applauded on the first day of the art week. /CGTN Photo

Making sure the traditional art form doesn't die out is a sentiment shared by many of the artists at the Puppet Art Week, as they gathered for an event which aims to promote exchanges to ensure ancient puppetry's place in the future is secure.

1381km