The shadow play of Sichuan province has a long-standing tradition and is popular among residents. But like many other traditional arts, it's in danger of being pushed aside by modern entertainment. Some local artists are working hard to make sure that doesn't happen.

Local opera tunes, cowhide puppets, and a screen that looks like a bed sheet. They all make for fascinating theater. The troupe keeps alive the essence of Wang Shadow Play, a family tradition with three hundred years of history.

Wang Biao, 7th Gen. Practitioner, Wang Shadow Play, said, "Wang Shadow Play was performed at the Golden Hall in Vienna in the 1980s, and won gold at an international competition."But popularity of shadow play faded with the rise of television and radio. For 15 years, the lights went out on Wang Shadow Play. The one day, Wang Biao spotted an old photo of his grandfather performing at the Golden Hall, at a store in Beijing selling shadow play souvenirs

Wang Biao said, "The shop owner called my grandfather the pride of us Chinese, he said Sichuan people are great. I decided to revive the art -- otherwise I'd feel guilty to my ancestors."Wang persuaded his old buddies to make a comeback.Wang also said, "We went to the central park. Even if there was just one kid in the audience, as long as he paid, six yuan for kids, 12 yuan for adults, we'd put on the four-hour show."Wang Biao's perseverance paid off. In 2003, his hometown Langzhong set up a stage for him. And he's not about to let the family business slip away again.Wang and his team have honed their craft in making the puppets. They've introduced innovation in the images, and made their show into something that appeals to modern audiences.