Q: Why are you so interested in shadow plays?
A: I have loved the plays since I first saw one as a two-year-old. My father was an art teacher, and made and manipulated the figures. Ever since I was addicted to shadow plays. I would do anything not to miss a single chance to see a performance, or collect anything connected with it - like the puppets, equipment, matchboxes or stamps. The shadow play is a unique type of art, with impressive colours, vivid figures and drama. The leather figures are very delicate and much livelier than other dramatic forms.
What is the state of the art form now?
It is waning. It goes back more than 2,000 years and was popular among the public, especially in villages, in the days when there were no movies or television. In recent decades it has declined. Professional shadow play companies are ignored in the cities, and senior artists based in the countryside have no apprentices to carry on their skills.
Why is that?
People have lost interest in this art just as they have in Peking Opera, even though it is a national treasure. No one will take on an unprofitable cause.
So you would like to save it?