200-year-old puppetry continues to thrive in district in Shandong

Li Changkun (middle), 86, performs puppetry in Jiajiawa village, Laiwu district, Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo provided by Sun Xiuying/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In Jiajiawa, a village in Laiwu district, Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, is a group of puppetry performers who are keeping the two-century-old tradition alive. Li Changkun, 86, is a fifth-generation inheritor of puppetry in the village and currently the oldest puppetry performer in the troupe.

Puppetry, also known as puppet theater, is a type of drama in which performers manipulate puppets. The puppetry tradition in Jiajiawa village dates back over 200 years. Historical records indicate that during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a group of southern artists introduced puppet theater to the area, later integrating the singing style with the local Laiwu Bangzi opera. Through generations of preservation and development, it has evolved into its current form.

"We use one hand to operate both hands of the puppet. Making the movements look coordinated and beautiful is not an easy task," Li said. The puppet in his hands moves in sync with his singing or recitation, displaying remarkable realism.

There are currently no more than 20 people in Jiajiawa village who can perform puppetry, with only six or seven young people. The rest are aged sixty or above, some even in their seventies or eighties.

In 2006, Jiajiawa puppetry was designated as one of the first intangible cultural heritage items in Shandong province. Through their dedication and perseverance, the puppetry artists continue to keep the tradition alive, showcasing their passion for this ancient art form that has been passed down through generations. (Edited by Yang Yi)