【翻译原文】

皮影戏（shadow play）是中国最古老的戏剧之一。它起源于2000多年前的古长安，盛行于唐代和宋代。在中国古代，这是一个流行的民间戏曲形式，而且它是世界电影的祖先。当时，它就像现代的电影和电视一样给人们带来欢乐。表演者跟着音乐歌唱，同时控制着皮影工具。这些戏剧的内容更多是关于传统的历史戏画中。皮影戏是世界文化和艺术大家庭中的瑰宝。

【表达难点】

1.它起源于2000多年前的古长安，盛行于唐代和宋代：“起源于”可译为be rooted in。“盛行于”可译为prevail in，prevail意为“盛行，流行”。

2.当时，它就像现代的电影和电视一样给人们带来欢乐：“当时”可译为at that time。“就像现代的电影和电视一样”可用as引导的从句来表示，即asmodern movies and TVs do。“给人们带来欢乐”可译为bring people pleasure。

3.表演者跟着音乐歌唱，同时控制着皮影工具：“跟着音乐歌唱”可译为sing with themusic，with意为“跟着，随着”。“同时”可译为at the same time，还可译为meanwhile、in the meantime。“控制着皮影工具”中“控制”可译为control，常用短语为in control（控制中），out of control（失去控制）等。“皮影工具”则为shadow tools。

【精彩译文】

Shadow play is one of the oldest operas in China.Itwas rooted in ancient Chang’an over 2，000 years ago and prevailed in the Tang and Song Dynasties.It was a popular folk drama in ancient China and also the ancestor of films in the world.At that time，it brought people pleasure asmodernmovies and TVs do.Actors sing with themusic，and control shadow tools at the same time.The contents of those plays are more about traditional historical dramas and fable stories.Shadow play is the treasure among the world’s cultures and arts.

【翻译原文】

皮影戏（shadow play）是中国民间古老的传统艺术。据史书记载，皮影戏始于战国时期，兴于汉朝，盛于宋代，元代时期传至西亚和欧洲，可谓历史悠久，源远流长。艺人们站在白色幕布后面，一边操纵戏曲人物，一边用当地流行的曲调唱述故事。在过去还没有电影、电视的年代，皮影戏曾是十分受欢迎的民间娱乐活动之一。

【表达难点】

【精彩译文】

Shadow play is an old traditional folk art of China.According to historical records，shadow play began during the Warring States Period，flourished during the Han dynasty，prospered during the Song dynasty，and was introduced to Western Asia and Europe during the Yuan dynasty.It is indeed long-standing and well-established.Standing behind the white curtain，the artistsmanipulate the opera figures and sing the story in popular local tones.In the past，when there was nomovie or TV，shadow play was one of the most popular recreational activities among the people.