The atmosphere at the Liaoning Intangible Cultural Heritage performance event was buzzing with energy. Thanya Saeyang, a Thai international student from Shenyang Normal University, came specifically to witness it. His gaze was firmly captivated by an exquisite performance—Gao Minghe, the national representative inheritor of Liaoxi Puppetry (a national intangible cultural heritage representative item), skillfully manipulated a “fairy” puppet over two feet tall, performing the classic pieces Face Changing and Long Silk Dance. As her fingers and palms moved swiftly, the puppet’s long silk fluttered like drifting clouds and flowing water, while the colors of its facial makeup shifted swiftly with the rhythm, as if by divine skill. Saeyang held his breath and concentrated deeply, utterly immersed in the artistic marvel unfolding upon this tiny stage.
Rooted in the unique regional cultural soil of the Liaoxi Corridor, Liaoxi Puppetry boasts a history of over a century. Its principal form of performance is the “Stick Puppet”. The puppets, characterized by their exaggerated, freehand designs and intricate carving, are performed in a style that is delicate and vivid, harmoniously blending strength and softness, in pursuit of the supreme artistic realm of “unity between puppeteer and puppet”.
As soon as the performance ended, Saeyang, unable to contain his excitement, earnestly expressed to Gao Minghe his heartfelt desire to become her apprentice. Gao Minghe readily agreed, accepting this disciple from a foreign land. The master and apprentice then engaged in a lively exchange about the puppetry arts of China and Thailand. “I have seen Thai traditional puppetry performances in Thailand, but this is the first time I have witnessed such an exquisite ‘Stick Puppet’ and its unique performance style,” Saeyang said excitedly. When he observed the puppet’s head up close and discovered it was made of newspapers, he marveled at the ingenuity of folk craftsmanship and the eco-friendly concept.
“Ju Gong (steady puppet holding), Bu Gong (coordinated footwork), and Nian Gong (nimble finger and wrist control) are the three fundamental skills of Liaoxi Puppetry.” Gao Minghe patiently instructed on the stage of the Liaoning Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center. “One, two, open the eyes; three, four, five, move. Breathe in sync, become one with the puppet. The key to manipulation is stability, precision, uprightness, and balance...”
The first challenge Saeyang encountered in his training was “Ju Gong”—he had to lift a puppet weighing between 8 and 10 jin (approximately 4 to 5 kg) high above his head, maintaining perfect stillness without swaying, keeping it neither too high nor too low, neither leaning forward nor backward. Although physically strong, he was drenched in sweat after several rounds. “The Ju Gong must be steady; the Nian Gong controls the precision of various movements; and the Bu Gong must express the puppet’s larger motions. It took me over three months to meet my teacher’s basic requirements, and only then did I get the opportunity to perform on stage,” Saeyang said with a smile.
On the day of the performance, amid the carved beams and painted pillars, Saeyang remained calm and focused. He began performing the Long Silk Dance, the piece that had captivated him at first sight. With steady hands, he skillfully manipulated the “central rod” and “hand rod”, his precise footwork perfectly coordinated, guiding the “fairy” puppet draped in seven-colored long silk to move, spin, and dance. A series of graceful yet dynamic movements flowed seamlessly, as if the puppet had been imbued with life. In that moment, Saeyang felt transported to a magnificent fairy tale realm, truly experiencing the artistic charm of “unity between puppeteer and puppet” in Liaoxi Puppetry.
As the music faded and the curtain fell, Saeyang couldn’t wait to share the performance video with his mother in Thailand, his joy overflowing. “Next time I return home, I will perform this wonderful Chinese Liaoxi Puppetry for you all.”
Liaoxi Puppetry, an artistic treasure embodying the wisdom of folk artisans and regional aesthetics, is being introduced to the world by foreign youths who cherish Chinese culture, such as Saeyang. They are becoming cultural ambassadors who tell China’s stories and convey Eastern aesthetics.
