Guangdong Puppet Show Wows Beijing Kids

As part of a long-running performance season organized by China's Ministry of Culture, the puppet drama "Floor Eight and a Half" has created a sensation among Beijing audiences.

"Floor Eight and a Half" is produced by the Guangdong Puppet Troupe. The story follows the adventure of Xiao Di, a young supporter of environmental protection. While touring a science museum, the young boy accidentally enters a mysterious world through the building's eighth-and-a-half floor. Addressing contemporary issues like deforestation and water pollution, the highly entertaining production raises young audiences' awareness of the endangered environment.

The show has been an enduring hit since its first staging.

Director Zhang Mingyuan said, "Before our reorganization, we had been doing a poor job in marketing and promotion. In 2007 we staged a total of 290 performances. It was a dramatic increase. The show "Floor Eight and a Half" has been a successful case in marketing. We're going to make it as big a hit show as Lion King."

"Floor Eight and a Half" has won a string of awards at home and abroad. The troupe plans to develop a TV cartoon series and video games based on the stage show.

Editor: Feng Hui