shadow plays

Noun

shadow play (countable and uncountable, plural shadow plays)

1. (hand games) An ancient form of storytelling and entertainment using opaque, often articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images.
   • The project invokes aesthetics particularly associated with children: play, craft, and amateurism. Indeed, especially in segments that employ elements such as a spotlight and shadowplay, Green Porno is reminiscent of an elementary-school pageant.2018, Nicole Seymour, Bad Environmentalism, page 86

   Synonyms:

   shadow puppetry

2. A play of this form.