Heros and gods

The theatre of shadows and puppets in China.

The Cultural Centre of "la Caixa" Foundation,situated in the old Gran Hotel building in the plaza de Weyler in Palma, will house until May 20 the exhibition "Heros and gods. The theatre of shadows and puppets in China". The exhibition brings together puppets, figures, costumes, and a series of items related with shadow theatre, from the Kwok On collection ceded to the Fundação Oriente of Lisbon by sinologist Jacques Pimpaneau.

The origins of shadow and puppet theatre in China go back to the 8th century, before the appearance of theatre with real-life actors. Since then they have had a double function: religious, and for entertainment. The representations originally formed part of ceremonies, as offerings to a divinity, or as exorcism rites.

Image and text from the brochure of "la Caixa".

Date of publication: 29/03/2006

Mallorca >> News >> Culture >> Heros and gods