Shadow play (Chinese: 皮影戏, pí yĭng xì) or also known as shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment which uses flat articulated figures (shadow puppets) to create the impression of moving humans and other three-dimensional objects.

Shadow puppets are cut-out figures which are held between a source of light and a translucent screen or scrim. The cut-out shapes of the puppets sometimes include translucent color or other types of detailing. Various effects can be achieved by moving both the puppets and the light source. A talented puppeteer can make the figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod and laugh.

Shadow play is popular in various cultures; at present more than 20 countries are known to have shadow show troupes. Shadow puppets have a long history in Indonesia, China, India, Greece, Nepal, Turkey, and are a popular form of entertainment for both children and adults in many other countries around the world.

Coordinates: 53°31′8″N 113°29′47″W / 53.51889°N 113.49639°W / 53.51889; -113.49639 The Shadow Theatre is an Edmonton-based theatre company born of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival in 1990.

Shadow Theatre was incorporated in 1992, operating under the governance of a volunteer Board of Directors. The four main people that created and maintain the theater are John Hudson (Artistic Director), Coralie Cairns (actor), David Belke (playwright-in-residence) and John Sproule (Artistic Advisor) and have been with the theater since it opened. The company is housed in the Varscona Theatre (176 seats) in the heart of Old Strathcona. Shadow Theatre is one of the two managing partners in the Varscona Theatre Alliance. The venue hosts some 400 performances annually. The theatre has produced a regular main stage season since 1995, typically offering modern classics, innovative contemporary plays from around the world, and new Canadian works.

The company also facilitates a half day theatre-making workshop for elementary school classes.

Simon Phillip Cowell (born 7 October 1959) is an English A&R executive, television producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. He is known in the United Kingdom and United States for his role as a talent judge on TV shows such as Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent and American Idol. He is also the owner of the television production and music publishing house Syco.

As a judge, Cowell is known for his blunt and often controversial criticisms, insults and wisecracks about contestants and their abilities. He is also known for combining activities in both the television and music industries, having promoted singles and records for various artists, including television personalities. He was most recently featured on the fifth series of Britain's Got Talent and the first season of The X Factor USA.

In 2010, the British magazine New Statesman listed Cowell at number 41 in a list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010".

Cowell was born in Lambeth, London and brought up in Elstree, Hertfordshire. His mother, Julie Brett (née Josie Dalglish), is a former ballet dancer and socialite, and his father, Eric Selig Phillip Cowell (1918–1999), was an estate agent developer and music industry executive. Cowell's father was from a mostly Jewish family, though he did not discuss his background with his children (Cowell's paternal grandmother had immigrated from Poland). Cowell's mother was from a Christian background, and is of part Scottish descent. He has one brother and three half-brothers and a half sister; younger brother Nicholas Cowell, half-brother John Cowell, half-brother Tony Cowell, half-brother Michael Cowell and half sister June Cowell.