Shadow Play

storytelling · puppets · ancient art · light

Flat puppet figures. Shadow puppets are cut-out shapes held between a light source and a see-through screen. The light shines through them to create shadows that the audience sees on the other side.

Light makes the magic. By moving the puppets and the light source around, a skilled puppeteer can make the flat figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod and even laugh. Different distances from the light make puppets look bigger or smaller.

Colorful details. Some shadow puppets include translucent colors or other special details that show through the screen, adding extra beauty to the performances beyond just black silhouettes.

Super ancient art. Shadow play is one of the oldest forms of storytelling and entertainment, used for thousands of years across many different cultures to tell stories and make people smile.