The string puppetry has a long tradition that dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties. It was introduced to Fujian in the south by the migrants coming from the Central Plains over seven centuries, between the Jin and the Tang periods. A unique feature of Quanzhou string puppet theatre is its ability to mimic all sorts of movements and expressions of real people, with skilful hands controlling around 16 to 40 strings suspending the puppets. Quanzhou string puppetry was included in the First National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China in 2006, followed by its inscription on UNESCO’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012. The group will be staging a selection of classic short plays that would showcase the exquisite artistry of this traditional puppetry form.
Extension Activities
Ticket price: $100