STORY: Indonesian student's journey to fulfill childhood dream about Chinese shadow puppetry
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 14, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 20, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:12
LOCATION: LANZHOU, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of shadow puppetry in Huanxian County
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
3. various of Ivan learning Daoqing shadow plays
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
6. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
7. SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
8. SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
9. SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student studying from Lanzhou University
10. SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University

STORYLINE:

Chinese shadow puppetry is an art form integrating performance, singing, sculpture and music. The art of Daoqing shadow plays, an important branch of Chinese shadow puppetry, was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. 

Huanxian County in northwest China's Gansu Province is the birthplace of Daoqing shadow plays, which is currently home to more than 40 shadow puppet troupes, over 300 performers and more than 60 sculptors.

Ivan, an Indonesian student at China's Lanzhou University, has held a keen interest in shadow plays since childhood. He has traveled to Huanxian County to experience the unique charm of this folk art.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
"I grew up in Indonesia, where I have often heard the elders speak of shadow puppetry since my childhood. The figure of the almighty Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King in the play, has resonated deeply within me. Now that I have come to China, I finally have the opportunity to see the on-site performance of shadow puppetry, fulfilling a dream for many years. These exquisite puppets seem to tell captivating ancient stories, leading me into their world. Hello, Mr. Zhang."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
"Hello."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
"These shadow puppets are very beautiful. May I learn something about them from you?"

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
"Of course, you can."

SOUNDBITE 5 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
"Great! Thank you."

SOUNDBITE 6 (Chinese): ZHANG ZHIWEN, Daoqing shadow play performer
"This is a complete shadow puppet, which is made up of 11 components and all carved from cowhide. The puppet-making process is highly intricate, involving at least a dozen procedures to complete, from hide preparation to stretching, shaping, drawing, carving, coloring, connecting, and adding rods."

SOUNDBITE 7 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
"Behind the screen, these shadow puppetry performers are working in harmony, creating a visual and auditory symphony. I was particularly amazed to see how the leading performer brought the puppets to life using just a few simple wooden sticks, and I couldn't help but try it myself."

SOUNDBITE 8 (Chinese): IVAN, Indonesian student from Lanzhou University
"I have gained a deeper understanding of how to appreciate shadow puppetry through learning so much knowledge about it. Shadow puppetry embodies the time-honored culture and wisdom. As a Chinese Indonesian, I am fortunate to experience, learn, and inherit this precious art here, fulfilling the dream I have had for many years."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lanzhou, China.
(XHTV)