From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Date: Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:02:50 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Is Wendy Passmore-Godfrey right, that "Of course a puppet,


In the Winter 2006 issue of Puppetry Journal, Wendy discusses puppets as agents of social change. I don't know if she really meant what she said about puppets not having power when they are not being operated, but I sure don't agree with that.

Even in performance, a puppet needs to PAUSE. It is like the space between musical notes, or the space between flowers in a vase.

Puppets, like masks and non-kinetic sculpture, and non-animated paintings, drawings and photos DO have POWER if they are any good.

If I did not think so, I would not have collected so many examples of that power, and none of the photos in Eileen Blumenthal's  book on puppets or in the pages of PUPPETRY JOURNAL would have meaning.

AS WORKS OF ART, puppets and masks have to have innate power. If a painting or print can speak to  you and me, the puppet sure is entitled to the same power.

Wendy, please reassure me you were exaggerating for literary effect!

Having installed puppet exhibits for over 50 years, and reaching many viewers with the concept that even in repose, puppets CAN and DO have power, I just had to speak up.

ALAN COOK


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