Members of Rugao Puppet Art Troupe give a performance during an international puppet theatre festival in Ryazan Oblast, Russia. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

The Rugao Puppet Art Troupe from Nantong, Jiangsu province, was invited to visit Ryazan Oblast, Russia, from Sept 11 to 29, to participate in an international puppet theatre festival.

The art festival brought together artists from 20 countries, creating a vibrant platform for the exchange of performances and cultural insights.

Festival-goers learn about Rugao rod puppetry. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

After their performance, the organizers invited the Rugao Puppet Art Troupe to give a lecture and demonstrate the complexities of Chinese puppet art. Local theatre actors, international artists, and eager attendees came together to learn about the craftsmanship and manipulation techniques of Rugao rod puppets.

Members of the Rugao Puppet Art Troupe took part in a seminar, giving a special presentation that showcased the rich heritage of Chinese puppet art. They shared insights into Rugao rod puppetry and provided an overview of China, Jiangsu, Nantong, and Rugao. The troupe also participated in a valuable exchange and discussion session with teachers and students from the Confucius Institute at Ryazan State University named for S. A. Yesenin.