Ranjani Prasad - Puppeteer in Delhi

PROJECT

It is perhaps from childhood memories and penchants of playing with dolls and pretending they’re alive, that puppetry evolved as an art form. The nature of this media is such that it combines within itself many other art forms like sculpture, choreography, theatre, dance, movement, music, imagery, etc and carries with itself a rich heritage. For this internship, I would like to research on Puppet Arts and its prominence in Delhi.

MY FOCUS

Puppet Arts in India, evolving over the years, has combined traditional techniques of marionette, shadow, glove and rod, and gone on to adopt and adapt itself to more contemporary trends like digital and multi-media images. My focus would be on how puppet groups in Delhi have moved beyond Rajasthani katputhlis and experimented with innovative themes and techniques of puppetry. Also, how this art form has gradually emerged from being mere entertainment to edutainment (education + entertainment).

OBJECTIVES

1. Explore the roles played by Puppet Arts in society-
a. As a method of story-telling, passing on folk tales and ancient legends. For example, traditional Rajasthani puppets.
b. As an educative tool to address social causes and disseminating awareness against social evils, as well as shedding social taboos related to sexuality and reproductive health. For example, spreading HIV/AIDS awareness.
c. As an Art therapy during relief and rehabilitation in conflict/calamity struck areas, For example, puppet theatre in the Tsunami-struck areas.

2. Examine the efforts taken by organizations to preserve and promote this ancient Indian cultural tradition, such as Sangeet Natak Akademi’s “Promotion and Preservation of Puppetry "; and their commitment to providing financial support to puppeteers & puppet groups

3. Basic research and study on some of the most defining influences on puppetry in India in the last century, for instance bommallattam of Tamil Nadu, Japanese Banruka, Thai Rod puppets, etc; and a brief paper on it to be contributed to the website.

4. Interview and profile eminent puppeteers, ventriloquists and puppet groups in the city to understand their contribution to this art form.

5. Add to the existing database and directory of puppet groups and Katputhli colony listings on the website and include a calendar of upcoming events, festivals, and seminars related puppet arts. Compile information regarding opportunities available to amateurs, in terms of workshops and internships, to encourage them to pursue professional puppetry.

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