Shadow Puppetry (Piyingxi) – Telling Stories with Light and Hands
Shadow puppetry, known as piyingxi (皮影戏) in Chinese, is a traditional performing art that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have started in China during the Han Dynasty, around two thousand years ago, and later spread to other parts of Asia.
In shadow puppet shows, artists use thin puppets made of leather or paper. They move these puppets behind a white curtain or screen while a strong light shines from behind. The audience sits in front of the screen and can see the puppets’ colorful shadows as they move. The puppets are often shaped like people, animals, or even magical creatures.
Each performance tells a different story. Some shows are about famous Chinese legends or historical events, while others tell simple tales of daily life. Before modern entertainment, watching a shadow puppet show was a special event for many families. People would gather together in squares or courtyards to enjoy the music, voices, and lively movements.
Music is also an important part of shadow puppetry. Performers play traditional instruments and use different voices to match each character. Sometimes, after the show, children are invited to see the puppets up close and even try moving them, making the experience both fun and educational.
Today, shadow puppetry is performed at cultural festivals, in schools, and in theaters. It helps people learn about Chinese history, teamwork, and the art of storytelling. Although many things have changed over time, shadow puppetry still brings people together to share stories in a creative way.
互动练习
根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。
- Shadow puppetry began in China during the ________ Dynasty.
- Artists move the puppets behind a curtain or ________.
- The audience sees colorful ________ created by the light.
- Many stories are based on Chinese ________ or daily life.
- Traditional ________ are played during the performance.
Word Bank 词汇集锦
- performing art /pəˈfɔː.mɪŋ ɑːt/ n. 表演艺术
- puppet /ˈpʌp.ɪt/ n. 木偶
- curtain /ˈkɜː.tən/ n. 幕布
- screen /skriːn/ n. 屏幕
- shadow /ˈʃæd.oʊ/ n. 影子
- light /laɪt/ n. 灯光
- legend /ˈledʒ.ənd/ n. 传说
- instrument /ˈɪn.strə.mənt/ n. 乐器
- creature /ˈkriː.tʃər/ n. 生物
文章难度 📊CEFR 等级：B1
皮影戏是中国的一种传统表演艺术，已有几个世纪的历史。人们普遍认为皮影戏起源于汉代，距今大约两千年，后来还传播到了亚洲其他地区。
在皮影戏表演中，艺人会使用薄薄的皮革或纸做成的木偶。他们在白色帷幕后面操控木偶，而强光从后方照射。观众坐在屏幕前，可以看到这些彩色木偶的影子随着表演移动。这些木偶常常做成人物、动物，甚至神奇的生物造型。
每一场表演讲述不同的故事。有的取材于中国著名的传说或历史事件，有的则讲述日常生活的小故事。在没有现代娱乐的时代，观看皮影戏曾是很多家庭的特别活动。人们会聚在广场或院子里，一起欣赏音乐、表演和生动的声音。
音乐也是皮影戏的重要部分。表演者会演奏传统乐器，并用不同的声音为角色配音。有时演出结束后，孩子们还会被邀请近距离观看木偶，甚至亲自操作一下，增加乐趣和新知。
如今，皮影戏会在文化节、学校和剧院演出，帮助人们了解中国历史、团队合作以及讲故事的艺术。虽然时代变了，皮影戏依然为大家带来有趣的故事和美好回忆。
✨答案
- Han
- screen
- shadows
- legends
- instruments
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