1. Find a YouTUBE example that demonstrates the relationship between Adult and Childrens puppetry. Post the link/or embed video and justify your choice. 2. Find an example of a Puppetry CO. who primary mission is to educate. Post the link to the site and justify your choice.

1.Evolution of Puppets---->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNKefNALEwQ

I chose this video because it shows that puppetry wasn't always about Elmo or The Muppets.  That puppetry started as more of an adult form of entertainment.


2. Mudeye Puppet Company- 

The Mudeye Puppet Company is an educational puppetry arts organization dedicated to providing esteem-building arts workshops, reducing waste, encouraging creativity through use of reused materials and offering local communities exciting neighborhood-based puppet performances and parades.

I picked this puppet company because a puppet company exactly like this came to my elementary school in Duluth every year.  This isn't the same company, but they educate students on the same issues of self-esteem, reducing waste, reducing energy, etc that I remember seeing every year.  The show had an impact on me since I still remember them because they were funny, entertaining, and educational

http://www.mudeyepuppets.org/------->Official Website
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSVpA7GIdeU------> Mudeye's puppet making video
http://www.youtube.com/user/mudeyepuppets?blend=11&ob=5------> Mudeye's youtube video site

Chapter 4 Casting Characters

After reading Chapter 4 on characters, write in your blog about a puppet character from Chapter 4 that you found intriguing and explain why. Describe the type and materials from which the character is created and explain what the character's traits are, and what purpose the character is meant to carry out. If you can find some video or other visuals please post them in your blog.

My favorite character in Chapter 4 is the come-apart skeleton.  I think it is fascinating and down right amazing that  just simple mechanics can make something so intriguing. I couldn't believe that the skeleton could just fall apart and come back together.  Unfortunately I can not find any videos or pictures of this puppet, but there is a nice diagram of how it works on page 93 in our textbook.  


The come-apart skeleton puppets are marionette puppets with a device that turns the string to make it come apart.  By twisting the strings the skeletons bones are put out of place giving the appearance that the skeleton has fallen apart.  With a swift of the hand the puppet comes back together and back to life bewildering the audience.  


The skeleton character is meant to trick the audience into thinking that it is dead.  In reality the skeletons ability to spring back together shows the skeletons immortality even though it is already dead.  


Since I couldn't find any videos that were of trick skeletons, I decided to add some of just skeleton marionettes because they are cool! :)

Blog topic #2

As you watch, look for three examples of American Puppetry whose origins are from another culture. Name the example and describe how the puppetry form is derived from the other culture. Describe the original form and its original purpose.
Puppet Fantastique was derived from traditional French puppet shows.  Basil, the Puppet Fantastique creator, studied puppetry in France and was influenced by their traditional work with puppets and with the Eastern cultures use of water puppets.

Another example of American Puppetry is the puppet designs by Ralph Lee.  His most of his productions are myths and folk lore.  He wanted something that would display these epic stories in such a way that it would give these stores magic.  This also was derived from many Eastern cultures, as puppets some of the puppets are life sized and have human qualities. 

The third example is of Michael Curry.  Many of his designs have premiered at festivals and parades around the United States.  This was common in many Chinese and Spanish cultures.  In these cultures puppets were used in a way of celebration to add more effects to the festivities. 

Shadow Puppets

Briefly trace the development of shadow puppets

Blog #1

I have had very minimal experiences watching puppet shows. In fact I think the only puppet shows I ever watched were on television, for example Lamb Chops or Sesame Street. Although I never saw the puppets alive, they still had an impact on my four year old life. I even had a Lamb Chop puppet, who stared in many puppet shows of my own. As children, these puppets were enjoyable to say the least.

When I think of puppets as an adult, I associate them with  kids.  I just figured all puppet shows were around just to keep children entertained while learning the alphabet. I soon discovered this is an American view on puppets. In other countries, puppet shows are put on for adults too.

In Theatre History last semester I got my first view of a world puppet show.  It was this video of a Japanese puppet show called Bunraku, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV938f46Wpg.  The Bunraku puppets are almost life size and have many human like qualities.  I was drawn into how intricate the puppets were.  How they were able to move their eyes and clasp their fists.  It is almost like they are human!  Another thing that made the Bunraku puppets so amazing is that I could understand the story without knowing Japanese.  I was able to do this because the puppets have a personality of their own.  It was easy to tell when the puppets are sad or upset or even happy.  It's incredible how an inanimate object can come alive.

More videos on Bunraku

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEUQNvn8EJQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eTkDXQL2Nw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJDd7KC1cjw&feature=related