File puptcrit/puptcrit.0802, message 455


From: "Alan Cook" <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:05:22 GMT
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Shadow puppet projection question


If one bounces projection light off one or more mirrors, there may be parallex problems, but if they are minimal angles, distortion of images might be acceptable. Perhaps the screen could be slightly angled to accomodate? 

If memory serves, I think I saw some rear projetion movie systems in a cramped space at a fair or exposition which used mirrors this way. Perhaps there are patents for such things?

If you had a taller screen you could use an overhead projector with small shadow puppets placed horizontally, and use human actors standing directly behind the screen, but it does take up much room backstage. Non-color puppets (ie: black images) seem to be more effective this way, but projected scenery could be in color for contrast.

Lotte Reininger used smaller black shadow puppet with color scenery which were seen on TV I think in the 1950s.

My shadows go the low-tech route, with a clamp light inside a corrugated  carton, and a white sheet of paper for the screen, but the small shadows also work well with an overhead projector aimed at a movie screen or plain light color wall---and in schools, it is a subtle introduction to educational optical science (lenses, focus) when kids see both means demonstrated.

Target stores had a projector available only by mail order via internet first priced around $159.00 and then reduced to about $139, which apparently was considered to be a fancy toy. A friend bought one in Long Beach CA a few weeks ago for $99 instore (a manager's price reduction), but other Target stores did not have the item at any price, and said it could only be ordered online.

ALAN COOK


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Richardson
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:56 AM
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Shadow puppet projection question

      I was wondering if any of my esteemed colleagues could give me some ideas about projecting images onto my shadow puppet screen... in such a way as these projections would be happening simultaeously with wayang puppets being performed.
   
      My query relates very specifically to the type of puppets I use, which are transparent leather puppets. They need to be placed dead on the screen to achieve full transparency.
  Similarly, to boost the effect of the color, my stage, unlike a typical Indonesian stage, is completely enclosed  in the back by a tent like structure, to eliminate light spill.
  The screen area measures 4'h x 8' wide, up to 12' wide. I currently use a 500 watt Halogen flood to illuminate the screen.
   
      So my questions are :
   
  1. Is there a device ( projector ) which is capable of throwing out a similar quantity of light output, even as it projects imagery as well ? ( I would expect to produce images for projection that leave me with areas of "white space "  where needed .)
   
  2. As I mentioned, the staging requires that the back area be closed off. This "tenting "  can become pretty substantial ( size ) if it has to be  deep enough to allow a beam of light to fully spread across the entire screen area. Otherwize, I don't need so much back space... and it can be a problem if one is given a shallow stage to work on. Plus transport, blah blah.
  SO! My question is, can one bounce a beam off a mirror as a way to expand the throw of a projected image source ?
   
     Thanks !
     
     Michael Richardson
    Red String Wayang  Theatre



       
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