PUPPET

A novice takes on an artisanal trade

An episode from the series ARTISANS REBOOT

Synopsis

In Taiwan, can be found ancient forms of entertainment such as the street puppet shows, known as Budaixi. Barely 14 inches tall, they have distinctive facial expressions, sometimes gruesome, sometimes comical, and elaborated costume with life like hair.

Master Shen Chun Fu is regarded as Taiwan’s finest carver of Budaixi puppets but has a reputation of an eccentric who may be unwelcoming to strangers.

Shawn Tan makes puppets come alive as a magician and a ventriloquist. At first unaware of the Budaixi marionettes he leaps at the chance to learn it all from the master.