For lighting use a lantern or an extension light. Place it about six feet directly behind the screen. Color can be thrown on the screen by placing a sheet of colored gelatine in front of the light. Experiment with the light and color until you get the effects you wish.
If you use tracing cloth, such as the architects use, for your screen, you may paint on it directly, with transparent water colors. When the light comes through this screen, if you have kept your colors clear, brilliant, and well related, the effect will be charming.
Behind the scenes in the human shadow play, "The Indian and the Oki." Here you can see the well-stretched sheet on its large frame, the beaver board trees (left), great rock (right), bristol board foliage, grasses, and flowers, the bridge resting on 8″ horses. Notice that the actors stand very near the screen. The two actors on the right concealed by the great rock from the audience are manifesting the pair of fighting sparrows. The girl on the left is manifesting the rabbit which is shown in Scene I.
The shadow figure is manipulated from below. This means that you must stand below the screen so that your own shadow will not be cast upon the screen. As you bring your shadow figure forward, you will notice that as it approaches the screen it grows smaller and smaller. To prevent the figure from varying in size it should be held close against the screen.
Unlike the marionette that moves forward and backward as well as to the right and left, the shadow figure can move only to the right or left. With this limitation, however, it is surprising to find how many movements and gestures are possible. Suit the action to the word. Avoid jerky gestures and repetition of the same gesture.
The lines of the shadow play can be given by the puppeteers or by a reader or readers in front of the screen. If the puppeteers are to speak the lines they should sit down together and read the play again and again, until they can speak the lines naturally and without hesitation. When they can do this, they are ready to begin rehearsals with the shadow figures. Do not hurry. Every word should be clearly spoken.
If two or three short plays are being given in a program, two readers, one standing at the left and one at the right of the screen, can read the lines alternately.
The shadow play is a delightful kind of entertainment for young and old. It is appropriate for the home, the school, the settlement, and the Sunday school. It has the advantage of requiring very little time to produce, the materials are inexpensive, and it is an artistic means of expression.
