Shadow Puppetry (Jinan Shadow Play)

Jinan shadow play belongs to the Shandong tradition, brought to the city from Zoucheng around 1915 by the artist Li Ke'ao and developed across generations by Li Fuzeng, Li Xingtang, Li Xingshi and others into a style of its own.

Figures are cut from donkey hide; behind the screen a performer manipulates the puppets while also singing, speaking and playing the percussion. A master can work the puppets, beat several instruments and voice all the parts single-handed.

Combining folk art, ballad-singing and performance, its repertoire reflects everyday city life, making it an important window onto Jinan folk custom — and one that keeps reinventing itself to reach younger audiences.