SHADOW PLAY: A Shadow Puppetry Workshop

Sat Mar 21 2026 at 02:00 pm to 04:30 pm

Lychuu Baldwin | Toronto

Asian Arts and Culture Trust (AACT)
Publisher/HostAsian Arts and Culture Trust (AACT)
SHADOW PLAY: A Shadow Puppetry Workshop
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Beginner-friendly shadow play workshop: craft puppets, explore migration & lineage, and share a short group performance.
About this Event

“Shadow theatre is a medium that is conducive to the extraordinary… The shadow screen easily accommodates floating gods or the great monkey hero [Hanuman] as he leaps across the wide ocean. It allows demons to leap from the earth or grow in size. The shadow world materializes dreams and allows its heroes to fly to other realms.” - Kathy Foley, Shadow Theatre

From Indonesian wayang kulit and Chinese píyǐngxì puppets, to Cambodian nang sbek thom and Indian tholu bommalata shows - shadow puppetry is a storytelling form with a long and rich history in many Asian cultures.

Drawing inspiration from these traditions, SHADOW PLAY invites participants to create and assemble their own shadow puppets. Beginning with simple forms and moving toward exploring more complex possibilities, we will be using cardstock, recycled materials, and cellophane to bring our puppets and sets to life. Participants will receive prompts related to themes of belonging, migration, folklore, and lineage. The workshop will culminate in short, spontaneous shadow performances created by participants.

At every step of the way, participants will be guided by Chloe Rodriguez, a Toronto-based illustrator, printmaker, paper-artist, and fledgling puppeteer. SHADOW PLAY invites its attendees into a space of collaboration, playfulness, and connection to this ancient and ever-evolving tradition.

This workshop will provide all necessary materials and is beginner-friendly, open to all levels of experience in crafting or performance. Optionally, participants are welcome to contribute any recyclable materials from home, such as cardstock or thin cardboard.


Location: Lychuu Baldwin, 41 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L1

Lychuu Baldwin is located in a semi-basement unit accessible by stairs from the street level.


Please see the FAQ section below for more details.


Photo credits: Chloe Rodriguez.


More about:

AACT: https://instagram.com/aact.community

Chloe: https://www.instagram.com/wan.soy


This workshop is produced with the support of the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lychuu Baldwin, 41 Baldwin St, Toronto, Canada

Tickets

CAD 0.00

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