With the development of the national economy and society, the quality of life in rural areas has improved significantly, and the living environment has been greatly improved. The country actively implements the rural revitalization strategy, of which cultural revitalization occupies an important position. Cultural revitalization not only enriches the spiritual and cultural life of farmers, but also promotes the development of rural economy and enhances the overall image and attraction of rural areas. In order to respond to the national call and support rural revitalization, we selected shadow puppetry as the main subject for propaganda and went deep into rural areas to give lectures.
The Ocean University of China Rural Shadow Puppetry Team conducted a shadow puppetry production process learning, performance, and introduction and propaganda activity from July 8th to July 16th.
At the beginning of the activity, the team members conducted in-depth research on the historical background and cultural significance of shadow puppetry, and under the guidance of Mrs. Wu Yunfeng, a professional shadow puppet artist and the district-level representative inheritor of shadow puppetry culture, they learned the process of shadow puppet making. Mrs. Wu has profound knowledge in the carving of shadow puppets and shadow puppet performance. During the exchange with Mrs. Wu, the team members learned about the relevant knowledge of shadow puppet performance and making, the important value of shadow puppet inheritance, and the difficulties encountered in the inheritance and development, which made the team members feel the significance and value of inheriting shadow puppet culture more strongly and strengthened their resolve.
·Carving and Coloring Learning
Under the guidance of Wu, the group members learned traditional skills such as selecting skins, creating silhouettes, carving, and coloring. With Mrs.Wu's encouragement, members actively tried it themselves and carefully learned how to hold the brush for carving and read the scripts for the puppet show.
·Puppet Show Performance
After mastering the basic skills, the group members actively participated in the performance practice of the puppet show "A True Story". Under the guidance of the teacher, the group members practiced repeatedly and gradually mastered the performance actions. After several rehearsals, the members began to practice what they had learned on stage and successfully completed a wonderful puppet show performance.
·Community Presentation
In addition to learning and performing, the team also conducted a presentation on puppet shows to introduce relevant knowledge to residents of Da Yao Community in West Coast New Area, Qingdao. This allowed residents to experience the charm of puppet shows up close and popularized puppet knowledge to the public. At the same time, the group members had a deeper understanding of the possibility and importance of combining traditional culture with modern life. They realized that only by allowing more people to understand and participate can traditional culture regain its vitality.
The acceleration of modernization has led to the imminent loss of some traditional art forms, including shadow puppetry, which is a traditional art form. Although it has received some attention due to the protection of intangible cultural heritage in recent years, it still faces some development crises and challenges. The group members are aware that the fast-paced modernization of society should not bring about the crisis of extinction for traditional art forms such as shadow puppetry, but rather innovative and effective promotion and inheritance methods that combine modern technology. They also see the potential for revitalizing traditional art forms such as shadow puppetry through the use of modern technology and youth power. Through this activity, the group members experienced the beauty of traditional art while recognizing its vulnerable position in modern society. They also saw the possibility of revitalizing traditional art forms through innovative means. With the efforts of the younger generation, the ancient art form of shadow puppetry will surely shine in the new era.