Chinese puppet theatre
Wigs made from real hair are fixed permanently to the heads of the puppets. The coiffures indicate the social status of the wearers.
Three-dimensional Chinese puppet theatre was brought to Malaysia by Chinese migrants in the 19th century. These are glove puppets (po-te-hi), performed in Hokkien, rod puppets (cha-ka-lei), performed in Teochew, and string puppets or marionettes (cha-ke-re) performed in Hokkien. The puppet theatre is similar to Chinese opera in style and content, but with more realism. Performances are conducted on makeshift stages in temples or open areas, usually during religious festivals and to celebrate the birthdays of deities.
- Information in the full article includes
- Types of Chinese puppets
- Rod puppets
- Glove puppets
- Costumes and characters
- The performance
- Music of the puppet theatre