Shanwanran Hakka Puppetry Troupe Introduction
Shanwanran Theater was founded in 2002 by Huang Wushan, who learned traditional puppet theater skills from the national treasure master Li Tianlu's two sons, Chen Xihuang and Li Chuancan. In 2003, he graduated from National Taipei University of the Arts with a focus on Theater Arts, gaining an understanding of the dedication required for passing down such traditions. He also studied Hakka folk songs under the "Hakka Mountain Song Queen" Lai Bixia, integrating Hakka culture into traditional puppet theater. This development has made Shanwanran Theater one of the few young groups in Taiwan with both professional performance skills in traditional puppet theater and a solid foundation in dramatic theory, preserving the essence of traditional puppet theater. Shanwanran Theater deeply understands the importance of Hakka cultural heritage. Currently, it focuses on producing performances, actively participating in various arts festivals, and beginning to plan courses that combine Hakka theater, Hakka puppet theater, and Hakka music. By using the lively and dynamic performances of puppet figures, they attract the younger generation of the Hakka community to emphasize the importance of Hakka cultural arts, reclaiming the Hakka spirit and allowing even non-Hakka groups to understand and appreciate the diversity and inclusivity of Hakka culture.
