'Adventures in the Crystal Palace': A Performance by Taiwan’s Shan Puppet Theatre

Schedule

Saturday, August 13, 2022
11 a.m. Puppet Workshop
1 p.m. Performance
2 p.m. Reception

Taiwan’s acclaimed Shan Puppet Theatre is traveling to Houston for an all-ages performance of their play Adventures in the Crystal Palace! Adapted from the classic novel Journey to the West, this action-packed story tells of the Monkey King’s quest to save Flower Fruit Mountain by visiting the underwater Crystal Palace, and his battle with the Dragon King who lives there.

Using traditional hand puppetry, Shan Puppet Theatre blends Hakka music, language, and stage art with a contemporary sensibility to charm audiences all over the world.

Participants can also register for a morning workshop with Shan Puppet Theatre where they will learn how to perform with hand puppets, play gongs and drums, and experience a backstage music demonstration. (Space is limited for the workshop.)

All tickets will include access to a post-program reception featuring additional arts activities and Taiwanese snacks. 

About Shan Puppet Theatre

Shan Puppet Theatre, established by Huang Wu-Shan in 2002, is one of the only puppet troupes to perform traditional Taiwanese puppet shows in the Hakka language in Taiwan. Shan Puppet Theatre shows are inspired by traditional Hakka opera, and incorporate Hakka music, culture and history into their repertoire. The troupe hopes to attract more people to the theater and make them understand and appreciate the beauty of traditional puppetry as part of their belief that “theater is everywhere.”

About Puppet Master Huang Wu-Shan

Huang Wu-Shan is widely recognized as one of the most talented performers of his generation in traditional Taiwanese puppet theater. He was trained in this hand puppet art by Taiwan’s most revered master, Tien Lu-Lee, who was featured in Hou Hsiao-Hsien's film Puppet Master. As a member of the distinguished troupe, I-Wan Jan Puppet Theater, Mr. Huang has participated in government-sponsored tours to Europe, Asia, and the United States. A creative individual with a broad range of interests in the arts, Mr. Huang pursued graduate studies in theater at the Taipei National University of the Arts, receiving an M.F.A. degree in 2003. Observing the declining audience for traditional puppetry in Taiwan, he has created several original works that seek a balance between tradition and innovation. These include collaborations with dancers and choreographers, the development of a puppet theater version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, and the creation of two original Hakka language puppet plays.

Performing Arts and Culture programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Syamal and Susmita Poddar. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment, and The Brown Foundation Inc. Generous funding also provided by AARP, The Anchorage Foundation of Texas, The Clayton Fund, and Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Additional support provided by the Wortham Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, United Airlines, and through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center. 

Performing Arts and Culture Presenting Sponsors

Syamal and Susmita Poddar

Official Airline Sponsor

Performing Arts and Culture Program Sponsors

Presenting Partners

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.