# Theatrical Shadow Shows The Manual Cinema's Shadow Puppet Show Puts People Behind the Screen By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-08-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shadow-puppet-show References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/19/theater/manual-cinema-presents-the-semi-gothic-ada-ava.html?_r=0) & [manualcinema](http://manualcinema.com/) Although many shadow puppet shows are created solely using the hands, acts by the Manual Cinema are a full-body experience. Manual Cinema shows involve a single screen, live actors and music to mimic the experience of watching a handmade movie. As one of the artistic directors of the company, Sarah Fornace describes that "People didn’t always know it was live. They thought it was some kind of strange, slow-motion video or a film project." In contrast to many movie theaters that are becoming more elaborate in terms of projection technology, this simple setup presents a story told in shadowy silhouettes. Although live music is a big part of the experience, the performance unfolds without any dialogue. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Interactive Shadow Puppet Shows:** Opportunity for creating immersive and interactive experiences using shadow puppetry and live actors. - **Analog Cinematic Experiences:** Opportunity to tap into the nostalgia of traditional handmade movies in a digital age. - **Minimalist Theatrical Presentations:** Opportunity for utilizing minimalistic setups to enhance storytelling and captivate audiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for incorporating shadow puppetry and live actors in new forms of entertainment. - **Film and Animation:** Opportunity to explore the integration of shadow puppetry and analog cinematic experiences in films and animations. - **Theater and Performing Arts:** Opportunity for incorporating minimalist setups and interactive experiences in theatrical performances. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unique Immersive Theater Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-no-more.md) - [Live Board Game Productions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-twentysided-tavern.md) - [Performing Arts Subtitle Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subtitle-system.md) - [Avant-Garde Theatrical Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avantgarde-theatrical-experience.md) - [Multimedia Art Productions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/if-not-now.md) - [Reflective Hemispherical Theater Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ball-theater.md) - [Portable Window Projection Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/village-concept.md) - [Shadow-Mimicking Photography Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shadow-boards.md) - [Shadow-Inspired Trays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightware-series.md)