Revitalizing shaanxi shadow puppetry through digital engagement and youth participation

Abstract

Digital media is redefining the communication landscape. This change revolutionises how people share cultural heritage and viewers. In the modern world, Shaanxi shadow puppetry is taking the turn to digital platforms. This research paper looks at how modern technology can facilitate sustainable development of this art. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity. This work is based on the theory of Lotmans Semiosphere. The author used qualitative research and semi-structured interviews. It was interviewed 30 art students, 3 researchers, and 4 shadow puppeteers. Interview data obtained were sorted and coded using the NVivo 15 software, and the outcomes showed that some variables enhanced youth participation. They include interactive online experiences, deliberated visual design, and different digital conservation applications. The findings presented here form the basis of a Digital Living Inheritance framework that is introduced in this paper. This framework gives a fresh focus to the preservation of Shaanxi shadow puppetry. It creates a sense of cultural identity among the young people and creative reproduction of the art.