Shadow play performances were staged at Harbin Children’s Art Theater on March 16 to mark the upcoming World Puppet Day, which falls on March 21.

During the event, representative pieces of Heilongjiang shadow play, such as Crane and Turtle, Mother’s Love, and Nezha Nalakuvara, were performed and met by a rapturous reception from the audience.

Shadow play, also known as shadow puppetry, is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment that uses flat articulated figures or shadow puppets to create the impression of moving humans and other three-dimensional objects.

Heilongjiang shadow play, which combines local elements on the basis of Chinese shadow play, was listed into the national intangible cultural heritages.

Among the classic pieces of Heilongjiang shadow play, 13 have won national awards. Performers of the shadow play has been invited to perform in Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, and other countries for art exchange performances 11 times over an 8-year period.

Children admire Heilongjiang shadow play at Harbin Children’s Art Theater on March 16 to mark the upcoming World Puppet Day. [Photo/people.cn]

The Heilongjiang shadow play Nezha Nalakuvara is staged at Harbin Children’s Art Theater on March 16. [Photo/people.cn]

The Heilongjiang shadow play Mother’s Love is staged at Harbin Children’s Art Theater on March 16. [Photo/people.cn]