Introduction to Traditional Taiwanese Glove Puppets

This workshop introduces the cultural and historical context of Taiwanese glove puppetry (pòo-t.-hì), focusing on its core character categories:

• Sheng (male lead),
• Dan (female),
• Jing (painted face),
• Mo (elder), and Chou (comic)

Participants will explore how stylised gestures, symbolic props, and minimal stage design come together to form a theatrical language rooted in rhythm, transformation and abstraction.

A particular focus is placed on how these formalised character types shape the storytelling process. Their distinct movement styles, costume silhouettes and behavioural patterns allow audiences to instantly grasp a character’s role, personality and moral stance.

This visual and performative clarity makes it possible to build dramatic tension and emotional stakes quickly, even in non-verbal or minimal-dialogue scenes. The stylisation is not only aesthetic but also practical, serving as an efficient narrative tool.

Please note that when you book a place, only the start date and time is shown on the booking system, but your ‘ticket’ covers the full event as detailed above.