An Art Form Still Flourishing on the island Province

While puppet show are losing popularity in other parts of the country, the man-and-puppet show still flourishes in Lingao and is gaining more and more interest among local people.

Located in the northern tip of Hainan, the country's southernmost island province, Lingao is where migrants from Zhuang ethnic group from the mainland inhabit.

Currently, locai people in Lingao appreciate two major theatric entertainments. One is the indigenous Qiong opera whose singing is based on Lingao dialect. The other is the man-and-puppet show, a favorite pastime for Lingao people.

Aside from the professional county theatric troupe, there are also 8 amateurish groups performing the man-and-puppet show in Lingao. The county troupe has well-equipped facilities and its own theatre for performance; its scenarios are written by professional playwrights. Amateurish groups, however, usually perform in an impromptu manner. Four posts in an empty space can form a makeshift stage.With an old piece of cloth as a backdrop and simple lights, amateurish performers play the puppet show for passers-by.

Villagers seem to enjoy amateurs' show more than the county troupe's professional performance. Because amateurish performers are farmers themselves, they know very well what their peers like. Amateurs play in simple dressing and makeup; their piots and dialogues are produced in an impromptu manner. Whatever audiences like, amateurs will play it on the stage. Although stories are stereotyped, they are presented in a way familiar to commonplace people, which makes them feel comfortable and pleasant.