From: Alexuma-AT-aol.com
Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2004 22:10:35 EST
Subject: PUPT: Huizinga, play and Avenue Q


Bob's mentioning of  Huizinga and his theories on play has made me think... 
how unfortunate it is that when puppetry (a form of play and certainly a result 
of it) reaches the levels of Broadway, the "play" aspects of it are almost 
completely stripped.  It becomes a business transaction, takes on a life of its 
own in the "work" world.  Huizinga says that play has no material profit - it 
needs to be enjoyed for its own sake.  It seems like Avenue Q might have lost 
its "play." 
Yes, puppetry is magical and playful...but to Honor Huizinga a bit more, who 
says another characteristic of "play" is that it "creates order, although we 
are uncertain of its outcome."  Some of the "order" this "play" created was to 
intensify the producing aspects/involvment and raise the stakes...to a level 
we, as players, may no longer relate to.  But we have no idea how it will turn 
out in the end - all we can do is be grateful that Ave. Q is succeeding in 
bringing a great deal of visibility to puppetry as an art form.  I do believe 
even one of our newest list members (was it was Michelle in Michigan?) was drawn 
to the art of puppetry after having seen the show, if I remember correctly.  
And perhaps now, when we tell strangers what our jobs are, instead of getting 
"Oh, like 'Being John Malkovich?'", we will get "Oh, like 'Avenue Q?'"  

Just a couple pennies worth...
-Serra


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