Puppet

Swanage Punch & Judy

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5016 - Archaeological Museum, Athens - Dolls - Photo by Giovanni Dall'Orto, Nov 13 2009

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Medieval knight puppets from Hortus Deliciarum

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Giant girl puppet

Puppet is a form of theatre or performance that involves the manipulation of puppets—inanimate objects, often resembling some type of human or animal figure, that are animated or manipulated by a human called a puppeteer. Such a performance is also known as a puppet production. The script for a puppet production is called a puppet play. Puppets come in all shapes and sizes, and their types and methods of manipulation have varied greatly over time and across geographical boundaries.

History

The history of puppetry is a long and diverse one, with roots in ancient cultures across the globe. It is believed that puppetry was a form of entertainment and communication in ancient civilizations, including those in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The earliest recorded puppet shows date back to 3000 years ago, with evidence suggesting that both the Egyptians and the Ancient Greeks were utilizing puppets for storytelling purposes.

Types of Puppets

There are many different types of puppets, and they can be classified based on their method of manipulation. Some of the most common types include:

• Hand Puppet: A simple puppet controlled by the puppeteer's hand.
• Marionette: A puppet controlled from above using wires or strings.
• Shadow Puppet: A flat puppet held up against a translucent screen, with a strong light source behind it to create shadows.
• Rod Puppet: A puppet manipulated with rods attached to its limbs or body.
• Ventriloquist Dummy: A puppet manipulated by a ventriloquist, who speaks for the puppet in a way that makes it appear as if the puppet is talking.

Puppetry Around the World

Puppetry has been adapted in various cultures around the world, each bringing its own style and tradition to the art form. For example:

• In China, the art of shadow puppetry has been a popular form of storytelling since the Song Dynasty.
• Java and Bali in Indonesia are known for their intricate wayang kulit or shadow puppet performances, which are often based on Hindu epics.
• In Europe, particularly in Italy and France, marionette shows have been a popular form of entertainment since the Middle Ages.
• Puppetry in the United States has seen a variety of forms, from the traditional marionette and hand puppets to the innovative use of puppets in television programming, such as in the work of Jim Henson and the Muppets.

Puppetry as an Educational Tool

Beyond entertainment, puppetry has been used as an effective educational tool. It can convey messages, teach lessons, and facilitate communication in a way that is engaging and accessible to children and adults alike. Educational puppetry can address a wide range of topics, from basic academic skills to complex social issues.

Modern Puppetry

Today, puppetry continues to evolve with the incorporation of modern technologies and new storytelling techniques. Digital puppetry and the use of animatronics are examples of how puppetry is adapting to the digital age, expanding the possibilities of the art form and reaching new audiences.

See Also

• Theatre
• Performance Art
• Animation
• Animatronics

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