Paul Chan: Giant puppeteer at Standard Chartered Arts in the Park

Why are you interested in puppets?
When I was studying at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Jim Henson Company that created the famous puppet TV series “The Muppet Show” came and taught a two-week course on basic puppet-making techniques. That’s when I discovered my interest in puppets. 

Out of all of the puppets you have created, which is your favourite?
An Inflatable alien I created in 2014. It had a giant swivelling eye and a huge mouth that could open and close really quickly. It was also really colourful and flexible. The kids loved it!

What skills do you need to be a giant puppeteer?
You need to know how to choose the right materials. As the giant puppet is big, you need to use something that is light and strong, but flexible and easy for the puppeteer to manipulate. Puppets come to life when they are mobile and lively.

What is the most difficult part about creating a giant puppet?
The most difficult part is combining the mechanics and physical principles to create puppets that seem to defy possibility – making them big but light, light but strong, strong but flexible … It’s tricky to balance the different demands!

How do you overcome difficulties?
If you trust in God, you can overcome all difficulties.

Do you have any advice to youngsters who are passionate about arts?
Get involved, enjoy the moment, be persistent, be patient, share with others.

Who is your favourite artist?
​Miyazaki Hayao. The characters in his animations are lively and natural. Puppets should be as lively as animation characters.