Asian Puppet Theater Exchange : Bunraku Demonstration & Workshop

Asian Puppet Theater Exchange
–Bunraku Demonstration & Workshop–

The Japan Foundation, Bangkok, together with Department of Cultural Promotion, invited audiences to experience the art of puppet from Bunraku, traditional Japanese puppet group, and other 3 active puppet groups from Thailand.

It was a great opportunity to enjoy the demonstration from each group and appreciate the mini performance from Bunraku and Joe Louis Theatre.

(Photo: NPO Bunrakuza)

Date

Tuesday 26^th August 2014

Venue

Small Hall, Thailand Cultural Center (TCC)

Ticket Information Free Admission

■Schedule
** Japanese-Thai translation was provided for both sessions.

[Session 1]

*Mainly for Puppet Group and Students but General Public were also welcomed.

12.45	Doors open

13.00-14.30	Bunraku Workshop Part 1 -Demonstration -Introduction of Bunraku -Short Performance

14.30-15.30	Thai Puppet Troupes Workshop -Joe Louis Theatre -Bann Tookkatoon Hoonkrabok Thai -Semathai Marionette Arts For Social Foundation

15.30-17.00	Discussion / Q&A Moderator: Ms. Vilawan Svetsreni, Assistant Professor The Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture, Chiang Mai University

[Session 2]


18.00-19.00	Thai Puppet Mini Performance & Workshop (Joe Louis Theatre)

19.00-20.30	Bunraku Workshop Part 2

20.30-21.00	Open Discussion / Q&A “Comparison between Bunraku and Joe Louis Theatre” Moderator: Ms. Vilawan Svetsreni

What is Bunraku?

Ranking with Noh and Kabuki as one of Japan’s foremost stage arts, the Ningyo Johruri Bunraku puppet theatre is a blend of sung narrative, instrumental accompaniment and puppet drama. This theatrical form emerged during the early Edo period (ca. 1600) when puppetry was coupled with Johruri, a popular fifteenth-century narrative genre. The plots related in this new form of puppet theatre derived from two principal sources: historical plays set in feudal times (Jidaimono) and contemporary dramas exploring the conflict between affairs of the heart and social obligation (Sewamono). Nowadays, it attracts numerous young performers, and the aesthetic qualities and dramatic content of the plays continue to appeal to modern audiences.

(Photo: NPO Bunrakuza)

Joe Louis: Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre

The art of puppetry and fine classical performing art, beautifully combined into a unique and inimitable Thai art form. Each show has been neatly and elaborately created as a cultural heritage that can be presented at various occasions with pride. (https://www.joelouistheatre.com)

(photo: Joe Louis Theatre)

Organizer The Japan Foundation, Bangkok

Co-organizer Department of Cultural Promotion

Welcome speech by Kazuhiro Fukuda (Director General of The Japan Foundation, Bangkok)

Moderator of the discussion / Q&A Session: Assistant Professor Vilawan Svetsreni (Director, The Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture, Chiang Mai University)