Yangzhou puppetry shines in Russia

Children learn to control a tiger-themed puppet from Yangzhou at the III International Festival of Puppet Theaters "Perekrestok" in Novosibirsk, Russia, on June 12, local time. [Photo/Wechat account: yzs_lyj]

The Yangzhou Puppet Research Institute, one of China's largest performing art groups for puppetry, participated in the III International Festival of Puppet Theaters "Perekrestok" (meaning "crossroad") in Novosibirsk, Russia, on June 12, local time.

This year's festival brought together puppet art forms and puppet troupes from various countries, such as Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Yangzhou Puppet Research Institute team was the sole participating group from China.

The lifelike figures, expressive movements, and delicate performances drew continuous gasps of admiration from the audience. After the performances, many parents brought their children on stage to interact and explore the mechanisms and mysteries behind the small puppets. Students from Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University also learned the art of silk dancing from the Yangzhou puppet actors.

Puppeteer Shen Yunmin, with his superb performance which combined both skills and entertainment, won the only award for Best Acting at the festival.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, as well as the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Culture. During the festival, the Yangzhou Puppet Research Institute and the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theater signed a memorandum of cultural exchange cooperation. The two sides plan to blend the puppet performance styles and cultural elements of their respective regions to create a captivating puppet show.