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! :)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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