Puppetry A World History

by Blumenthal, Eileen

• ISBN13: 9780810955875
• ISBN10: 0810955873
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-07-01
• Publisher: HACHETTE

Summary

Puppets have existed in one form or another in nearly every culture throughout human history. From the intriguing shadow puppets of Java to the romantically challenged Miss Piggy, from African carved-wood actors with outsize genitalia to merry maniac Mr. Punch, puppets are incredibly diverse, reflecting the varied cultures, environments, and personalities of their creators. In this lavishly illustrated volume, Eileen Blumenthal provides a comprehensive overview of the history and techniques of puppetry, examining the unique nature and abilities of puppets and illustrating the countless roles they (and their creators) have played in societies across the globe for thousands of years. She draws on examples from an astonishing array of puppeteers, performances, and historical artifacts, providing readers with an in-depth view of this intricate world of constructed actors and the eclectic, and often eccentric, artists who create them. With a lively and accessible text and a wealth of illustrations, this one-of-a kind volume will be treasured by lovers of both visual and theater arts.

Author Biography

Eileen Blumenthal is professor of theater arts at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University.

Table of Contents

The origin of species	p. 11
Show breeds	p. 37
High-wire acts	p. 71
Casting characters	p. 87
Puppet masters	p. 105
Sex	p. 125
And violence	p. 143
Politics	p. 163
And other public service	p. 187
Crossing between worlds	p. 209
Living on the edges	p. 229
Coda : coming full circle	p. 251
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.