The Funny Old Tree Theatre is presenting the 6th edition of its community puppet theatre project “Gugumelo Travels Around Ha Van” until tomorrow, offering free shows for children and families across Macau, according to a recent statement from the Funny Old Tree Theatre.
The local tour began on Sunday. Ha Van is the Chinese name of Praia do Manduco, an old neighbourhood in the Inner Harbour area.
The statement noted that the community puppet tour, one of the theatre’s longest-running projects, has expanded this time from libraries to community centres to reach a wider audience. Five venues are hosting a total of 10 shows, being held daily at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with free admission for children aged three to 12 and their parents.
The puppet show is in Cantonese, according to the statement.
The new production, “Gugumelo Travels Around Ha Van,” follows the local character Gugumelo as he explores Macau’s streets and alleys, discovering the origins of place names and the unique blend of local traditions and architecture, the statement said, adding that the initiative combines puppetry, picture books, and performances, aiming to promote reading culture, community history, and the popularisation of puppetry.
According to the statement, the project not only introduces young audiences to Macau’s cultural heritage but also supports the development of local illustrators, writers, directors, and puppeteers. “This performance allows children to appreciate art while deepening their understanding of Macau’s history and culture,” the statement noted.
Speaking with the Post, lead playwright, illustrator and puppeteer Loretta Lai Chi Ieng elaborated on how puppetry brings special power to storytelling.
“Because puppets can have a very big variety of actions. It really helps a lot to tell the story that you want to tell, and without using, like, a lot of people or a lot of costumes,” Loretta said.
Regarding why puppetry is so effective in cultural storytelling, Loretta added: “I think that a puppet show is important because if kids watch it, they will have better memories about it because they remember it, and they see that character in their eyes. And then, also, it can do a lot more than a real person can do.”
Through the 10 performances being staged in different community centres and libraries across Macau, “Gugumelo Travels Around Ha Van” not only aims to entertain but also to bridge generations, with the objective of connecting children and families to the city’s cultural roots while strengthening puppetry as a vital local art form.
Puppeteers Loretta Lai Chi Ieng (right) and Carol Wong Weng Si perform their show “Gugumelo Travels Around Ha Van” at the Youth Experimentation Centre of Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion yesterday. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
