Shadow Theatre - 皮影戏 - A Chinese Artistic Practice Dating Back Over 2000 Years

Photo Credit: David Wong

Shadow theatre is a fascinating ancient form of performance that uses silhouettes or cut-out figures to illustrate stories on a backlit screen. This technique, which probably originated in China a very long time ago, has become popular in many cultures around the world.

What makes shadow theatre so special is its ability to captivate the imagination by telling magical, fantastical stories. Characters - animals, heroes or villains - come to life thanks to light effects and skilful manipulation of the silhouettes.


During a shadow theatre show, spectators are transported into extraordinary worlds where anything is possible. The sets, special effects and music create a magical, immersive atmosphere.

Photo Credit: David Wong

Presentation Of The Practice