Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 14:56:35 -0500
From: "Jim Menke" <jim99jr-AT-gmail.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Principles of Puppetry


Thinking of principals as we work and perform can take all the joy out of
our profession. Sure we have to do good work but to obsessed by it can ruin
it.

On 3/4/08, PuppeteersUK <Ray-AT-puppeteersuk.com> wrote:
>
> I used to say to my creative teams that there is only one golden rule and
> that is: "There shalt be no rules" That got amended to taking in to
> account
> of building and operating costs, deadlines, and that all shows must fit
> into
> the vans.
> Sorry Mathieu, I know that does not help much, but I couldn't resist it.
> Perhaps someone else will help more seriously.  Panto (Philpott) wrote a
> booklet in the 1950's called 'Puppetry Fundamentals' I will need to have a
> look at it again.
> Ray
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: puptcrit-bounces-AT-puptcrit.org [mailto:puptcrit-bounces-AT-puptcrit.org]
> On Behalf Of Mathieu René
> Sent: 04 March 2008 18:42
> To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Subject: [Puptcrit] Principles of Puppetry
>
> Hi,
>
> My thirst for knowledge is infinite.
> And right now, as I am working on my first short puppet film, I am
> dreaming
> of a list.
> The list would be called: Principles Of Puppetry.
>
> Only principles that most of us can agree upon as being essential building
> blocks of our Art.
> Just like the Laws of Physics, which all Earth-dwelling elements must
> obey,
> there must be something similar applicable to Puppetry.
>
> While there are differences of opinion among any art form or any
> disciplines, there are also principles that most can agree on, upon which
> we
>
> can build and develop. Don't all trades have something like that?
>
> Although, maybe the word LAW is a bit strong for some, so I'll try with
> Principles.
>
> These principles should probably be categorised into sections,between
> Puppetbuilding and Puppeteering, cross-referencing each other, as they
> are,
> in my opinion, in a symbiotic relationship.
>
> Respected and wise Puppet Scholars with ease of access to the litterature
> would be more suitable for the task of compiling and editing this list.
> Even if none of our Elders are available at the moment, we can at least
> start the ball rolling. And even an "in-progress" list would be a good
> tool
> to have. I'd love to see it posted on the www.puppetbuilding.com website,
> and mirrored elsewhere, for safe keeping.
>
> I wouldn't suggest this if I wasn't willing to get involved. I'll work on
> my
>
> end as much as I can, and hope that more will do the same, so we can
> compile
>
> our findings together and see what comes up.
>
> YOU CAN HELP:
> Just share your Principles with us, or what you think might be principles,
> so that we can discuss them and reach conclusions. This is bound to stem
> long Puptcrit discussions. How fascinating!
>
> I'd like for us to think about these things we take for granted, and those
> we rely upon for better puppet movement and storytelling. I'd love to see
> a
> list  compiled of those Principles, so that we can all refer to them in
> the
> future, saving us much troubles even before we start a new project.
> Instead
> of sorting through all that is out there everytime we meet a challenge in
> our creative process, that list of Principles would certainly help, every
> step of the way!
>
> Of course, if such lists already exist, PLEASE share them with us.
> There must be books out there with principles from past and current Puppet
> Masters and Directors?
> If you have made one for yourself and it is working for you, why not beat
> the shyness and share?
> We can take everyone's lists and edit/compile them into one.
>
> I can anticipate a certain resistance in front of this big workload ahead
> ("why not learn by doing?"), but let's keep that for another thread.
>
> Can we try?
>
> Some of them we know about, but I would like us to work on the
> formulation,
> so that each Principle can be summed very efficiently in just a few words,
> in an easy to remember sentence. Maybe in a later incarnation, each
> Principle could form a paragraph, or even a chapter.
>
>
> Some that come to mind at the moment (to be discussed and evaluated as
> possible Principles).
>
> -Puppet eye focus (with or without eyes) most conveys illusion of life.
> -Puppet "breathing" conveys illusion of life, especially in moments of
> rest
> or "listening".
> -Puppet movements must be well defined at each step, for clarity. (needs
> clarification)
> -Puppeteer transfers own essence into puppet (perhaps less esoteric terms)
> -Puppet that does some things very well will appear to be able to do
> everything (need quote here)
> -Puppeteers work with their bodies, which should be fit, and warmed-up
> before rehearsals and performances.
>
> -Puppet mechanics must be efficient in simplicity. The less complex the
> better, less occurence of mechanical breakdowns.
> -Puppet features must be emphasised to be visible by the entire audience
> (of
>
> the size you plan to have).
> -Puppets MUST be as ergonomic (weight, position, movements) as possible. A
> comfortable puppeteer is not an injured puppeteer.
> -Balance is an essential ally in puppet movements. Marionnettes are a fine
> example of this. (see Dwiggins)
>
> JOIN THE FUN IN LEARNING!
>
>
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-- 
JIM MENKE PUPPETS
open your mind
fantasies unwind

www.jimmenkepuppets.com
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