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Wang Piying (Wang Shadow Puppet Troupe) has a long history. It manifests both the essence of Shaanxi shadow play and traditional old style North Sichuan shadow puppetry which uses chuanju (Sichuan opera) character types, staging, and music. The troupe maintains this Chinese intangible cultural heritage genre with exquisite puppets and rich narratives. Through the efforts of several generations of artists, this family company has achieved a balance between art and commerce, becoming known domestically and internationally.
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Introduction
Chinese shadow play (piyingxi)1 is an important genre, rooted in the cultural needs and spiritual beliefs of the people and it has been documented for two thousand years. It is found in most regions of China. Professor Jiang Yuxiang notes: "In modern China the shadow play is divided into two styles, northern and southern. The shadow play of Luanzhou [north China] is representative of northern style and Sichuan [southwest China] can be seen as the leader in southern style" (Jiang 1992: 267). Sichuan province itself has two major styles: Chuanbei (North Sichuan) piyingxi and Chengdu (capital of Sichuan) piyingxi. Wang is the surname of an important troupe of puppeteers in Chuanbei, called Wang's Shadow Puppet Troupe (Wang Piying).
This article will discuss Chuanbei shadow puppetry: a genre that shares features with chuanju (Sichuan opera). I will discuss the figures with vivid costume patterns, the manipulation technique, the repertoire, and functions of the form, detailing the history of the important Wang Piying Troupe, with focus on the fifth-generation master Wang Wenkun (1923-1999) and his seventh-generation successor Wang Biao (b. 1964). From the Republic of China Period (1912-1949) to the twenty-first century, Wang Piying Troupe has now survived over a century of ups and downs, including the impact of modern entertainment media. This troupe's experience can represent in microcosm Chinese shadow puppetry's development in Sichuan and beyond. The survival of a family troupe depends on both the given artists' virtuosity and the national political and economic environment. Current Chinese government protection of and economic support for this folk art has allowed for development of this folk troupe.
North Sichuan Piyingxi: Figures, Manipulation, Repertoire, and Function
North Sichuan includes cities such as Guangyuan, Bazhong, and Nanchong. Shadow play of North Sichuan is also known...