Taiwanese children’s play director Zhu Shuming will present his puppet show “The Story of the Little Old Man,” adapted from Swedish author Barbro Lindgren’s book of the same name, in Shenzhen.

    “The Story of the Little Old Man” tells a simple yet profound story about an old man’s search for companionship. The man is lonely, misunderstood and not accepted by the townspeople because he “is too little. And they think he looks much too silly.” He then forges a much-valued friendship with a big dog, but when the big dog makes friends with a little girl, the little old man worries that the dog will forget him.

    Zhu invited Vera Stoykova, head of State Puppet Theater Varna from Bulgaria, to help write the script and designer Adriana Dobreva to make the setting, puppets and costumes which are made of wood and paper.

    With rich psychological nuance, a uniquely warm tone that speaks directly to children, the show presents to us playful stories, moments of bright joy and the inscrutable nature of life.

    With 30 years of experience in directing children’s plays, Zhu believes that excellent dramas play a critical role in children’s psychological growth because children are good at imitating, acting and questioning.

    He said children’s plays should be thought-provoking, showing emotions, and should not be naive. Considering such, children’s playmakers should also be experts of children’s psychology and education. He believes that his rendition of “The Story of the Little Old Man” will offer serious reflections and re-creates atmospheres and moods that resonate with all audience members, regardless of their age.

    Shenzhen Daily now has 20 free tickets for readers for the 3 p.m. show March 11. For your chance to win, follow the Shenzhen Daily WeChat (iloveshenzhen), find this article, share it on your Moments and take a screenshot. Send the screenshot along with your full name and mobile phone number to our WeChat account. Each winner will be given two tickets.

    Time: March 11-12, 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m.

    Tickets: 180 yuan/person, 280 yuan/2 persons, 380 yuan/3 persons

    Booking: 400-185-8666

    Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center, 2106 Nanshan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南山大道2106号南山文体中心)

    Metro: Line 1, Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B(Cao Zhen)