The prolific Shanghai-based artist Ma Liang has expanded into steampunk puppet theatre. Ma previewed excerpts of Papa’s Time Machine, a sentimental tale about ageing parents, at Shanghai’s Power Station of Art in late October. He conceived the project as a gift to his father, a distinguished theatre director, and mother, a leading actress. The artist, who also goes by the name Maleonn, hopes to tour the full show next year. He and his team of designers, musicians and puppeteers began work on Papa’s Time Machine last year. The puppets, which are near life-size and made of wood, leather and metal, are operated on a set that evokes the charming chaos of Ma’s studio. “I’ve always liked the steampunk aesthetic. It’s romantically quirky, as if it’s not shackled by time and reality,” Ma says.
