Czech Marionettes and Puppets - Helping Puppetry is Make a Comeback
Up until recently, the art of puppetry had all but fallen off the entertainment radar.
Now, one European country and its skilled puppeteers are raising the art to a new level not seen in almost a generation.
For those of us old enough to remember growing up in the 1960's, childrens entertainment was much simpler than today.
Television shows were minimalist, with no special sound effects or graphics to hold our attention.
In fact, most of the entertainment was personality driven - sometimes human and sometimes unique handmade puppets with a personality all their own.
We fondly remember some of the puppet characters from our childhood.
In Chicago, we enjoyed Garfield Goose and his cast of many friends.
Watching these shows years later, they still hold up as timeless, wholesome entertainment.
But somewhere along the way, the art of puppetry all but disappeared.
Now, almost 50 years later, it's making a comeback.
The genesis of this resurgence begins in the Czech Republic, a country where the art of puppetry has never vanished from public consciousness.
Czech Puppets And Puppetry If you've ever traveled to Prague or visited the surrounding villages, it's not uncommon to see puppet theaters set up in public gathering places.
In the Czech Republic, puppetry is a highly respected art form.
Shows are developed based on traditional tales, with a touch of modernism added.
And these aren't just any puppets and marionettes.
Often hand carved from wood, many are heirloom pieces passed down from generation to generation.
And just as the tools of the trade are handed down, so too are the skills of the puppeteer.
There's a real sense of comedic timing in the performances.
Ranging far beyond voice skills, the deft movements and reactions of the marionettes tell a story as convincing as any movie.
Because puppetry is so revered in the country, some of the world's finest practitioners are of Czech heritage.
Revival Of An Art Thankfully, audiences are once again beginning to appreciate the art and performance of puppetry.
In New York City, a highly respected traveling theater has blossomed, the Czechoslovak American Marionette Theater.
Playing to rave reviews, performances are in high demand with children and adults alike.
Interestingly, this resurgence has now become a growing and creative hobby.
Since simple puppets are quite inexpensive to make, young people are embracing the art.
In addition to developing their artistic skills, puppetry helps develop social skills, much like traditional theater.
Further, production costs are minimal.
Puppet theaters are available for purchase already constructed, although many choose to create a venue themselves.
Sometimes all it takes is an old chest of drawers to hide behind! Summary Long a part of Czech and Slovak heritage, puppetry has once again blossomed in communities across the world.
Rich, traditional stories are being told once again, and new creative talents are adding their own touches to an art that has thankfully been revived.
Now, one European country and its skilled puppeteers are raising the art to a new level not seen in almost a generation.
For those of us old enough to remember growing up in the 1960's, childrens entertainment was much simpler than today.
Television shows were minimalist, with no special sound effects or graphics to hold our attention.
In fact, most of the entertainment was personality driven - sometimes human and sometimes unique handmade puppets with a personality all their own.
We fondly remember some of the puppet characters from our childhood.
In Chicago, we enjoyed Garfield Goose and his cast of many friends.
Watching these shows years later, they still hold up as timeless, wholesome entertainment.
But somewhere along the way, the art of puppetry all but disappeared.
Now, almost 50 years later, it's making a comeback.
The genesis of this resurgence begins in the Czech Republic, a country where the art of puppetry has never vanished from public consciousness.
Czech Puppets And Puppetry If you've ever traveled to Prague or visited the surrounding villages, it's not uncommon to see puppet theaters set up in public gathering places.
In the Czech Republic, puppetry is a highly respected art form.
Shows are developed based on traditional tales, with a touch of modernism added.
And these aren't just any puppets and marionettes.
Often hand carved from wood, many are heirloom pieces passed down from generation to generation.
And just as the tools of the trade are handed down, so too are the skills of the puppeteer.
There's a real sense of comedic timing in the performances.
Ranging far beyond voice skills, the deft movements and reactions of the marionettes tell a story as convincing as any movie.
Because puppetry is so revered in the country, some of the world's finest practitioners are of Czech heritage.
Revival Of An Art Thankfully, audiences are once again beginning to appreciate the art and performance of puppetry.
In New York City, a highly respected traveling theater has blossomed, the Czechoslovak American Marionette Theater.
Playing to rave reviews, performances are in high demand with children and adults alike.
Interestingly, this resurgence has now become a growing and creative hobby.
Since simple puppets are quite inexpensive to make, young people are embracing the art.
In addition to developing their artistic skills, puppetry helps develop social skills, much like traditional theater.
Further, production costs are minimal.
Puppet theaters are available for purchase already constructed, although many choose to create a venue themselves.
Sometimes all it takes is an old chest of drawers to hide behind! Summary Long a part of Czech and Slovak heritage, puppetry has once again blossomed in communities across the world.
Rich, traditional stories are being told once again, and new creative talents are adding their own touches to an art that has thankfully been revived.
Source...