Organizer: Department of Culture and Tourism
To commemorate the 126th birthday of the puppet theater master known as the “Supreme Leader,” Huang Hai-dai, and to highlight Yunlin’s status as the birthplace of glove puppetry, the Yunlin County Government held the grand opening of the “2026 Yunlin Puppet Theater Day and Press Conference for the Exhibition ‘The Soul of Traditional Art: Huang Hai-dai and the Way of Puppetry’” today (January 2) at the Yunlin Puppet Theater Museum. Magistrate Chang Li-shan, Deputy Magistrate Chen Bi-jun, Chief Consultant Huang Feng-shi, Acting Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism Chen Shi-xun, Chairman of Pili International Multimedia Huang Wen-zhang, County Councilors Huang Mei-yao and Wang Yu-qi, Mayor of Huwei Township Lin Jia-hong, and Chairman of the Huwei Township Representative Council Chen Ming-sheng jointly unveiled the special exhibition, witnessing the diverse evolution of glove puppetry from tradition to modernity.
This year’s event not only continues the tradition of honoring the master but also features an opening performance by the Huwei Pinghe Elementary School Puppet Theater Troupe, winner of the “Little Golden Palm Award,” symbolizing the passing down of puppetry skills through generations. The exhibition “The Soul of Traditional Art: Huang Hai-dai and the Way of Puppetry” extends from Huang Hai-dai’s traditional craftsmanship to the innovative audiovisual creations of contemporary Pili Puppet Theater. Spanning generations, the exhibition guides visitors to appreciate the value and transformation of glove puppetry across different eras. Huang Hai-dai’s legacy is not merely technical mastery but an artistic attitude of continuous innovation while staying true to its roots. From one person, one puppet, and one stage to Pili’s thousand-member production teams creating a dramatic universe, this is a steadfast journey from tradition toward the future.
Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that glove puppetry is not only Yunlin’s cultural asset but also an important symbol of Taiwan internationally. Since 2007, the county government has designated January 2, Huang Hai-dai’s birthday, as “Yunlin Puppet Theater Day” to express profound respect and gratitude for his contributions and foundational role in glove puppetry. She also affirmed the Huang family’s dedication across generations to deeply cultivate and pass on cultural arts, integrating innovation and digital technology to bring traditional glove puppetry to the global stage.
Magistrate Chang emphasized that glove puppetry best represents Taiwan’s cultural image. Future efforts in constructing the Puppet Theater Training Center and promoting cultural heritage will require the wisdom of pioneers and collective strength to embody the soul of glove puppetry. The Yunlin County Government will continue to play a key role in promoting and sustaining this cultural treasure.
Chairman Huang Wen-zhang of Pili Multimedia expressed gratitude to the Yunlin County Government for its support and recognition. As a descendant, he follows in his grandfather’s footsteps to ensure glove puppetry thrives and evolves. Heritage determines the future of glove puppetry, and with Magistrate Chang’s efforts and support, Yunlin will always remain its homeland. We will solidify the work of transmission so that glove puppetry represents Taiwan worldwide and continues to flourish.
Deputy Magistrate Chen Bi-jun noted that traditional glove puppetry is a vital intangible cultural asset of Taiwan. Under Magistrate Chang’s leadership, Yunlin County has demonstrated its commitment to cultural heritage through initiatives such as the International Puppet Festival and the construction of the National Puppet Theater Training Center, with the Yunlin Puppet Theater Museum serving as a key cultural hub.
This special exhibition, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism and curated by Pili International Multimedia Co., Ltd., unveils for the first time Huang Hai-dai’s precious traditional stage sets, scenic backdrops, and wooden and iron puppet boxes—rarely seen artifacts. The exhibition features four major sections:
Chapter of Dreams: Showcasing Huang Hai-dai’s life journey and creative process, from early traditional performances to character design and scriptwriting. His theatrical dreams extended beyond the stage, deeply rooted in Taiwanese hearts as the soul of glove puppetry culture.
Chapter of Spirit Puppets: Highlighting classic puppets such as Zhong Kui, the Seventh and Eighth Lords, and Ji Gong, revealing how traditional puppetry integrates religion, literature, and art to create boundless charm.
Chapter of Stages: Displaying Huang Hai-dai’s rare traditional stage sets and puppet boxes for the first time.
Chapter of Heritage: Featuring Pili’s iconic character Su Huan-jen as the grand finale. Huang Wen-zhang, Huang Hai-dai’s grandson, inherited his grandfather’s vision and founded Pili Puppet Theater, bringing traditional art into film and onto the international stage. This section illustrates the creative lineage of three generations of the Huang family and the evolution of aesthetics in Pili’s productions.
The exhibition also screens the documentary “A Century of Puppet Theater – The Memoirs of Huang Hai-dai,” produced by Pili over two years when Huang Hai-dai was 100 years old. It preserves rare footage, allowing viewers to reminisce about the master’s final years and trace his journey from street performer to puppet theater legend, revealing how his spirit continues to inspire the artistic foundation of modern Pili Puppet Theater.
The Department of Culture and Tourism added that to enhance the event and promote local industries, this year’s celebration collaborates with the popular local brand “Man Enjoy Handmade Workshop,” featured in Yunlin 100 Bowls, to offer souvenirs made with Huwei sugar. The event prepared 126 “Tiger-shaped Mini Buns” for attendees, reflecting Huwei’s local identity with their cute design. Additionally, “Pig Trotter Noodle-shaped Bun Gift Boxes” were presented to honored guests. In Taiwanese tradition, pig trotters and noodles symbolize longevity and good fortune, making this design both a tribute to Huang Hai-dai and a blessing for participants. Through the fusion of creative cuisine and traditional theater, Puppet Theater Day exudes a festive atmosphere and local warmth.
The exhibition “The Soul of Traditional Art: Huang Hai-dai and the Way of Puppetry” runs until the end of March. Magistrate Chang Li-shan sincerely invites people nationwide to visit Yunlin during the Lunar New Year holiday, explore the Yunlin Puppet Theater Museum, and witness the heritage and innovation of Taiwan’s glove puppetry while experiencing the unique charm of its cultural homeland.
In addition, the Yunlin County Government has partnered with Taipei 101 to present the special exhibition “Beyond Puppetry, Beyond the Peak” from November 10, 2025, to March 1, 2026. This exhibition combines the exquisite craftsmanship of Yunlin glove puppetry with bamboo forest imagery, creating a high-altitude cultural experience that integrates art, sustainability, and local elegance. Everyone is welcome to Taipei 101 to experience the allure of Yunlin’s puppet theater culture.
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