Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 22:51:41 -0700
Subject: Re: PUPT: Pupppetry Definition
From: Mary R Harrison <maryrh-AT-juno.com>


Okay- if you don't want to read about why talking about theory is
important, then delete this now.

For me, defining the what I do, helps me understand why it works.  And
understanding why it works is important, so I can pass on the art form. 
If we can explain what we do, and have a consistant vocabulary, then we
don't have to reinvent the wheel with each generation of puppeteers.  I
would say that we are all intelligent enough to know that even if we have
a lovely definition there will always be an exception, and that's okay.

For the record.  The definition I use, that covers most of the bases, is
"Puppetry is the art of bringing to life an inanimate object"  

>To say an object is a puppet, for instance; must it be an object? 
And a clear example of where my favorite definition breaks down, David,
is with motion-capture technology.  The puppeteers are using all of the
tools of puppet manipulation, and have very detailed controls, but the
puppet is purely virtual.  Still, I think that the definition does allow
us to differentiate between say, a puppet and a car (ooo- see how I bring
old examples back into the thread)  A car is an inanimate object,
manipulated by humans, but does does not demonstrate life (except
Christine or Herbie.)  Knowing that difference, and defining it means
that it brings the importance of life to my attention.  So with motion
capture I could comfortably be able to say that they use the skills of
puppetry without, technically, involving a physical puppet. 

And you know what?  If it's not important to you, don't worry about it. 
I don't mind if you don't use definitions, but they help me and I like to
be able to talk to my peers about my field.  I spend a lot of time
training adults who are about to be professional puppeteers.  When they
ask these questions, it's very, very nice to be able to say here- here's
a definition, you'll find a reason to break this someday, but now- when
you're learning, here are some parameters.

Mary

Mary Robinette Harrison
Other Hand Productions
maryrh-AT-juno.com
http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Balcony/9662


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