Meicen Zhou

"This Project reimagines traditional Chinese shadow puppetry, transforming it into an interactive digital experience where the audience becomes the performer. Inspired by the cultural heritage of Chinese shadow puppetry, this project modernizes the art form by utilizing interactive web technologies to reach a global audience while preserving its traditional essence. The use of projection allows users to experience the project in public spaces, making it more accessible and engaging. The media builds on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, focusing on the character of Sun Wukong (the Monkey King). Users interact with the story by taking on Sun Wukong’s role, with their movements captured via a webcam. By using body movements to complete actions and progress through the narrative, participants immerse themselves in Chinese culture and experience the essence of shadow puppetry in a novel format."