Songjiang Shadow Theatre

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Songjiang shadow theatre is a traditional form of performance in which characters and objects, drawn on transparent paper or animal skins (such as sheep, cow, or donkey hide), are brought to life through light projections onto a white cloth screen. The performances typically feature recitations in the Songjiang dialect, often mixed with Jingkun recitations. Some of the scripts are original compositions by the artists, while others are adaptations of ancient poems, novels, commentaries, and folk songs.

The shadow puppets of Songjiang have inherited the Jiangnan style of shadow puppet making, which emphasizes painting over carving. The figures are richly detailed and vibrant, creating a striking visual effect. The overall aesthetic is characterized by bright colors and intricate designs, often using brush painting techniques. Decorative elements like dragon courts, palace lanterns, and seats are sometimes added through carvings, enhancing the visual appeal of the puppets.

The music of Songjiang shadow theatre is primarily based on Xixiang tunes, gradually evolving into a unique musical style with a distinctive local accent. The main tune consists of two lines, known as the Yo Yang tune, and includes other variations like the Sanfan Tune, Weeping Tune, Chaotianzi, Xiaoshangyi, and Liuwa Jing. The performances often feature a coda in which the old Dan performs a "kissing" segment, typically accompanied by a suona. The recitations, sung in the Songjiang dialect, blend with elements of Jingkun recitation, while the lyrics often draw from ancient poetry, novels, commentaries, and folk songs.

Songjiang shadow theatre typically holds performances during the autumn, particularly around the Chung Yeung Festival, with rural performances lasting all night and sometimes continuing for several days. These performances take place on a raised stage or in local teahouses. The stage is about 1.2 meters high and 2 meters wide, with a white cloth screen (shadow window) at the center, flanked by decorations such as dragon courts and palace lanterns. A lighting lamp (originally an oil lamp, later replaced by paraffin lamps) illuminates the shadow screen. The main performance features one principal actor, a supporting actor, and three musicians. The troupe uses shadow figures, hung on a crossbar behind the screen, to enact the story.

The repertoire includes more than 20 plays, such as Fengshen Bang, Journey to the West, Sui and Tang, and Yue Chuan.

One notable figure in the history of Songjiang shadow theatre is 84-year-old Mr. Lu Liuqi, who traveled with the troupe during its performances in Shanghai. He recalls a particularly memorable performance in Zhouzhuang, where the troupe's skillful acting and the popularity of their shadow plays caught the attention of local bandits. After the performance, the bandits rewarded them with a generous sum of money. This story highlights the widespread popularity and influence of Songjiang shadow theatre, especially in Shanghai, where it was beloved by the masses.

Original Chinese text source:
https://www.ichshanghai.cn/