From: Angusson-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 11 Feb 2007 12:52:35 EST
To: skactw-AT-tiac.net, puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] shadows on the walls of the cave


Tina, Steven, et al: 

Gratified by this exchange. Thanks, all. 

Though not an "'educated' pupt-theorist," I did have some other thoughts, but 
I wanted to keep the idea fairly simple, for MY purposes.   (Sorry to say, I 
have yet to pick up a copy of Eileen's book, (Shame on me..!))
But certain ideas did impose themselves. Nothing new of course, but it was 
always clear to me that from earliest times, when savvy shamen or other 
enterprising individiuals realized the impact and HOLD these images, moving or not, 
had on their 'audiences,' they jumped right in and exploited that phenominon.    
In the broadest sense, they found a way to control the masses. It continues 
to this day. 
I don't plan to use the idea - it wouldn't serve my purpose, as I say, - but 
there was a time when the ritual/rite/routine/religion of it all took on an 
element of 'entertainment.' Perhaps, as time went on, of necessity, because the 
same ol,' same ol,' was losing its effect and appeal?   And of course, the 
balance shifted and we now have the Super Bowl Half Time events as MMoynihan 
points out. Which so many watch 'religiously.' (Sorry.)   

I was attempting to find a simple visual 'intro' to the Art of puppetry 
alluding to its long history and subsequent development. A 'hook' if you will.....

I was taken by - and did take out of context - one line from Plato's 
'Republic' which in and of itself sparked some OTHER interesting thought. Perhaps for 
another time on another list? That line being: "...the truth would be 
literally nothing but the shadows of the images."

What IS truth? Or, better, what has truth become? 

Thanks ALL.
Fred T.



> >>>Perhaps Plato's reference to the shadows
> in the cave was a rationalizing of what was by then considered to be a
> somewhat archaic magical ritual. I think Eileen Blumenthal's book has
> much to say concerning the ritual/shamanic roots of puppet theater.
> Any other educated pupt-theorists have anything to add to this?<<<
> 

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