From: Jimsan777-AT-aol.com
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 13:47:02 EDT
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: [Puptcrit] chinese Marionettes without controllers


I watched a Chinese master marionettist work with the paddle and loose string 
type controller at the UNIMA Festival in Japan in 1980.   He WAS able to get 
incredible movement and controller, but he had been doing that same act for 
over 50 years.   He grasped a group of strings from one side or the other on the 
paddle, and esparated them with his fingers to take up the tension to make 
something happen below.   

The marionettes were about 18-20 inches tall, as I remember. I had an 
orrportunity to see him up close maybe five times, and conversed through an 
interpreter.   He didn't have much to say other than he had only worked this way all 
his life, and I assume it was with these particular figures.   One was a Chinese 
War Lord who grasped a pitcher (of beer?) downed it and as he sang, became 
more and more drunk.   Another pulled a sword and waved it around.   (I really 
do need to edit my videos, as I'm sure I have it somewhere...whatever format 
was in use at that time...8mm? super 8)

If you have smaller marionettes, you don't need as much vertical pull on the 
strings.   I have an Italian friend who pulled a marionette from a large 
coffee can, the strings were attached to a glove, and since the figure was only 8-9 
inches tall, it was easy to bend a single finger to get legs or hands to 
move.

I'll need to rack my brain for more memories...Jim gamble
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