Also called “human shadows” or “Spanish shadows”, body shadows are a
form of shadow puppetry that was in fashion during the second half of
the 18th century. The silhouettes projected on screen were those of the
actors and not of cut-out figures. This technique was mostly used in
high-society theatres. A technical description of it is given in the
foreword “Ce qu’on voudra – Pourvu qu’on le lise” (Whatever you will –
Provided that you read it) to L’Heureuse Pêche (1770).

Betlem de Tirisiti is a puppet play that takes place every year during the Christmas season in the town of Alcoy. The first recorded mention dates back to 1880, but its origin is probably much older. It is traditionally considered that its founder …