Reasons behind choosing this topic for our website.
The most ancient form of theatrical technique, yet universally appealing to all age groups is the puppet show. It is one of the earliest autochthonic manifestations of human culture for the religious-socio-psychological development. Undoubted primitive people made puppets before invention of writing. Doll like figures with moving limbs called the puppets; are manipulated by man called the puppeteers.
The art form of Puppetry has survived due to the efforts of all the world's puppeteers through the ages. Puppets of different forms developed in times in different parts of the world. Puppetry is seen by millions. But, with changing times due to influence of electronic media and lack of patronage, and much due to the entry of animation art , the traditional art form of puppetry is gullible to face a threat of diluting. To tackle the contemporary electronic media, the scope of using traditional puppetry which has rich cultural significance; has to be expanded.
We feel that using puppetry in educational field is one aspect to expand the scope and understanding of the art of puppetry in all coming generations. Puppetry is a traditional art form originating in popular myths, folklore and legends and so for centuries it has been traditionally used as a means to transmit knowledge about the myths, legends rich in cultural heritage. With changing times, today puppetry is presenting new and contemporary thematic pieces and so the use of traditional themes from folklore and legends face some dilution. Where in the other parts of the world today puppetry are generally based on contemporary themes, the Indian Traditional forms of puppetry are but usually based on popular myths, legends and Epics.
Many times with electronics the traditional puppets are also being transcribed in the modern age and times. India is famous for its traditional string puppets and traditional stories. Our website ‘Life on the Strings’ will showcase this traditional art form of puppetry, design classroom projects based on folklore and traditional legends .With keen interest we explored the history and aesthetics of the art form, its growth in India and other parts of the world. Our only consideration is to make a lively project with our contribution on this most ancient art which today is gullible to face a threat of diluting..
LAUNCHING OF THE WEBSITE:
WORLD PUPPETRY DAY on 21 March 2009.
This day is being celebrated across the world to promote and acknowledge the importance of puppetry.
Several programs like Screening of films and short puppet performances have been organised world wide.
We dedicate our website ‘Life on the Strings’ on this historical day to the wonderful people who has kept the Art of Puppetry alive for generations to ponder over this amazing craft over the ages...
