Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 7 – New Life for Old Things
Exploring how puppetry preserves the past, documents the present, and creates new life from old traditions.
Reviving the Past, Documenting the Present: A Look Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 7
Issue 7 of Puppet Notebook delves into the theme of "New Life for Old Things", exploring how puppetry not only breathes fresh energy into traditional forms but also considers the importance of documenting today’s performances for future generations.
With 25 pages and 34 black-and-white photographs, this issue captures the vibrancy of global puppetry, from shadow theatre festivals to the challenges of theatre preservation.
Theatre in Transition: Preserving Puppetry’s Legacy
One of the pressing issues covered in this edition is the trouble faced by London’s Theatre Museum, highlighting the struggle to preserve live performance history. Alongside this, readers will find an overview of British UNIMA’s activities in 2005-06, offering insight into the work being done to support puppetry in the UK.
Under the Dispatches section, this issue includes:
A review of the 7th International Shadow Theatre Festival in Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany) by Zannie Fraser, offering a glimpse into this dynamic art form’s latest innovations.
A profile of puppet theatre director, Lily Herzberg, written by Paul Herzberg and Adrian Kohler, celebrating her contributions to the field.
Restoring hope in Bali – Rucina Ballinger examines the work of dalang I Made Sidia, a master of Balinese puppetry.
The International Festival at Charleville-Mézières, reviewed by Anna Ingleby, showcasing one of the world’s most renowned puppetry festivals.
South African puppetry – Penny Francis explores the diversity and creativity emerging from the region.
Icarus in the Megapolis (Berlin) – Hartmut Topf reflects on puppetry’s place in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Puppetry as a Tool for Awareness and Education
This issue also includes a feature by Thomas Riccio, Follow the Grey Giants, exploring how puppetry is being used as a new medium for health awareness in Kenya. As seen in previous issues, puppetry continues to prove itself as a powerful educational tool, capable of conveying complex messages in an engaging and accessible way.
Lesley Butler’s article, Behind the Scenes at Puppet Planet, offers an insider’s perspective on the workings of a puppet company, shedding light on the craft behind the magic.
News, Reviews, and Diary Updates
As always, Puppet Notebook rounds out its pages with performance and book reviews, ensuring readers stay informed on the latest publications and productions.
The UK and International Diary section provides essential listings of festivals, workshops, and exhibitions, while a unique Philately News section highlights puppetry’s presence in the world of stamp collecting.
Issue 7: A Celebration of Puppetry’s Past, Present, and Future
Whether through documenting performances, reviving traditions, or using puppetry for education, this issue highlights the many ways puppetry continues to evolve. Puppet Notebook Issue 7 is an essential read for those interested in how puppetry both preserves its roots and forges new paths into the future.