Hainan Doll Opera (aka Hainan Puppet Show) is a traditional local performing art in China’s southernmost island province, and is most popular in the cities of Wenchang and Haikou.

Depending on the roles they are playing, the Hainan Doll Opera puppets are carved in different shapes, with distinct differences in their heads, hair styles, faces, clothes, hats, crowns, and more. [Photo / Luo Jie]

According to historical records, this type of opera was originally performed during the Yuan Dynasty period (1271–1368). Hainan Puppet Shows have been around for over 600 years and were added to the list of national intangible culture heritage items in 2008.

The audience can only see the puppets on the stage, as the puppet masters are hidden behind the curtain, where they coordinate their movements with the musicians playing traditional Hainan Bayin instruments. [Photo / Luo Jie]

Since the puppet shows date back even further than Qiong (Hainan) Opera, the most iconic style of opera in the province, Qiong Opera performers call Hainan Doll Opera performers “Shi Xiong” (Senior Masters).

A Hainan Doll Opera troupe usually includes just a few performers, and the stage is often just an iron frame. Three to four performers play instruments backstage, while two operate the puppets at the front.

The background music of the Hainan Doll Opera is made by performers playing traditional Hainan Bayin instruments. [Photo / Luo Jie]

Carved from wood by artisans with exquisite craftsmanship, the puppets of Hainan Doll Opera perform over 20 types of roles, including Sheng (male roles), Dan (female roles), Jing (painted faces), and Chou (clowns) as in other Chinese operas, as well as immortals such as Buddhas and animals such as tigers.

The puppets used in the opera are carved from wood. A stick or bamboo pole is inserted in the puppet for operation. [Photo / Luo Jie]

The main roles in Hainan Doll Opera are Sheng (male roles), Dan (female roles), Jing (painted faces), Mo (men of middle age), and Chou (clowns). [Photo / Luo Jie]

A Hainan Doll Opera tiger. [Photo / Luo Jie]

Through behind-the-scenes action by the puppet masters, the puppets can open and close their mouths, roll their eyes, waggle their beards, stamp their feet, and flick their sleeves.

作者：Chen Shumin