EXPLORE HISTORY: Puppets From Asia

Theatre is an important social institution in Asia, and the living traditions of shadow puppetry hold particular historical and cultural significance. Although there are numerous indoor theatres in Asia, outdoor performances are more common during festivals, temple fairs, and religious celebrations. Village performances are often informal and may last hours past nightfall. Musicians and singers often appear alongside puppeteers, performing traditional music or interpreting more contemporary tunes on modern instruments.

Puppeteers perform and narrate a tremendous range and variety of stories, including epics, ancient and contemporary folk tales, and political satiric fables that may even carry propaganda. Through the voices of their puppets, performers are able to poke fun at characters of high social standing, including kings and queens, religious leaders, and government officials.

Asian puppets vary in size, type, modes of construction, and manipulation and are classified into four basic types: shadow puppets; string puppets or marionettes; stick or rod puppets; and hand or glove puppets.

Caroline Borderies, Puppetry Artist

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