Don Rechtman

IT began with a verse by Song Yu, written over two millennia ago during China’s late Warring States period (475-221 B.C.). In “Rhapsody on the Wind,” he distinguished between a “noble wind” and a “commoner’s wind” — a poetic metaphor meant to remind the ruler to recognize and care for his subjects’ suffering. “For those who live in shabby huts in narrow alleys,” Song observed, “the wind may not be as gentle as the breeze enjoyed by the king in his palace.”

Inspired by this ancient poem, contemporary Chinese children’s author Xiong Liang created the illustrated book “Walk With the Wind.” The story reinvents Song Yu’s allegory, following a small, fairy-like forest creature named Xiaomuke, or Little Wooden Traveler. Awakened by the wind, which mischievously blows away his orange hat, Xiaomuke is swept into a series of adventures. He encounters — and sometimes confronts — a host of forest creatures: cranes, a bear, monkeys, chickens, and a large bird. After these lively and occasionally turbulent exchanges, the wind finally settles, gently returning Xiaomuke to his leaf bed where he resumes a peaceful sleep.

Although the narrative is simple, the staged production by the Orange Children’s Theater group was richly layered. They brought the story to life with a magnificent display of puppetry and multimedia artistry that captivated both children and adults.

Xiaomuke himself was a puppet the size of a small child. Controlled seamlessly by three performers, he moved with such lifelike fluidity that the puppeteers soon faded from notice. The wind, embodied by a balloon shrouded in floating gauze and guided by a puppeteer with two rods, entered from among the audience, playfully teasing spectators before swirling toward Xiaomuke.

Throughout the performance, it was easy to forget these were puppets at all. Even the bear — operated by one puppeteer on the hind legs, one on each front paw, and another on the head — felt convincingly alive. As the wind carried the fairy boy through the forest, each creature he met was introduced with evocative dramatic music, and several encounters blossomed into joyful dances. Xiaomuke also met spiritual beings, who soared around the stage and over the audience, supported gracefully by the puppeteers.

The experience extended beyond the final scene. After bows and group photos, children and parents were invited onto the stage to examine the puppets and try their hand at bringing them to life.

Experiencing live theater is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. This coming weekend, you can enjoy another Orange Children’s Theater production: “Grandpa’s Time Machine” — an ideal introduction to the enchanting world of quality musical theater for young audiences.