Theater Art

Shadow puppet theater or (pi ying xi) is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using semi-translucent and articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images.  Beginning in the 11th century, the tales were performed by traveling entertainers throughout the countryside.  Chinese shadow theater illustrated military, civic, or religious narratives.  Instrumental and vocal music played an essential role in the stories.  This musical component added drama and could also aid in imitating the sounds of natural phenomena.

The puppet masters used painted faces, masks, distinctive movements, and elaborate costume design to identify and distinguish the characters.  The characters in shadow theater are divided into four major groups: The Chou (male or female comic actors), the Jing (male military characters), the Sheng (scholars or officials), and the Dan (women characters who can be military, educated, or servants, old or young).   Immortals, supernaturals, or demons could also take any of these roles.  Painted faces and headdresses symbolize their personality traits or rank of the different characters.

The style and methods used for cutting and carving the skin also help to distinguish personalities or identities.  The faces of noble gentlemen and women are usually completely cut away, leaving graceful outlines of eyes, noses, lips, and foreheads, while those of comedic actors, warriors, and mythological figures are most often left solid or painted.  Different styles of facial hair provide visual cues.  A finely combed beard is appropriate for a highly respected gentleman, while a fiercer character would wear a fuller beard.  Costumes are also used to indicate social standing.  Generally, the more detailed the carving, the more important the character.  Lower-class characters are depicted wearing very plain, unembroidered and therefore uncarved garments.  The costumes of officials and generals are elaborately carved and painted to represent their lavish embroidery and complex armor.  These distinctions would have aided the audience in interpreting the hierarchy of the characters on stage.