Bunraku Performers: Puppeteers
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Omo-zukai without a black hood (GloPAD Image 1006589) | Kagezukai ("shaded manipulator") denotes that all performing pupeteers appear on stage hooded and in the black robe (kuroko) (GloPAD Image 1006574) |
The major characters in a scene have a remarkable range of motion and emotion. A woman weeping holds a handkerchief to her face as her shoulders move in sobs, and an angry villain raises and lowers his eyebrows in astonishment and fury. The life they project is a product of exquisite timing among the three puppeteers.
The Battles of Genji and Heike
(Hirakana Seisuiki)
(GloPAD Image 1006552)
Minor characters in a play, who run errands or serve tea or deliver mail, have no need for such subtlety of movement, and consequently are handled by only one puppeteer.
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A minor character in The Battle of Ichinotani (GloPAD Image 1006665) | Minor characters in Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy (GloPAD Image 1006012) |
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