Fan Zheng'an--Sixth-generation descendant of Taishan Shadow Play

Fan Zheng'an is the sixth-generation descendant of Taishan shadow play. Taishan shadow play is listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.

It is an ancient Chinese opera which originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Today it is still prevalent in Chinese folk. According to historical records, the shadow play has passed down more than 400 years in Tai'an.

The 63-year-old Fan is the sixth-generation descendant of Taishan shadow play. He initially contacted with shadow play at 8 years old. The famous performing artists Liu Yufeng became his teacher at 12 years old, teaching him to sing shadow play.

Since then, he has been following his teacher to cross streets and show their skills. He forged an indelible part of love with shadow play and has been committed to the development, inheritance and promotion of Taishan shadow play.

Fan improved ways of performances of shadow play successfully, from the initial needs of  seven to eight individuals showing at the same time, to a more conventional way of one accompanies while one performs which could sing through the whole play. When necessary, even one person can complete the whole scene performance.