Special eventThursday 28 April 2016
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Masuda String Puppeteers: Shimane Prefecture’s Edo Period String Puppetry
ドリンクレセプション 7:00pm
13/14 Cornwall Terrace, Outer Circle (entrance facing Regent's Park), London NW1 4QP
大和日英基金 主催
Ningyo Joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) is best known for Bunraku, conceived in the Edo Period (1615-1868) and performed by a male puppeteer directly handling puppets from behind. However, few people know that string puppetry was also popular during the Edo Period. In Shimane Prefecture alone, there were several groups performing string puppetry throughout this era, often entertaining pilgrims visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine. These performances in the Izumo Region date back to 1652, but died out at the outbreak of World War II.
Today, Edo string puppetry can be seen at Yuukiza and Takedaza theatres in Tokyo; however, these shows are staged in a modernised format, drastically altered from the original. In contrast, The Masuda String Puppeteers’ style is the only surviving Edo Period style string puppetry currently performed in Japan, using an Edo-era puppet stage with Gidayu-style narration.
The Masuda String Puppeteers will give their first overseas performance as part of the ‘V&A Japan Festival for Families’ events day on 1 May 2016. Before their premiere international show in London, they will demonstrate their intricate puppet handling here at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation. Join us to hear about the history of Masuda String Puppets and to see a glimpse of the puppets in action.
The group gives four free annual shows at Grand Toit Theatre, their home, as well as hosting other performances across Japan. More information is available here: www.grandtoit.jp
Download event audio hereコントリビューターについて
Masuda String Puppets
Masuda String Puppets is a string puppeteering group based in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. In 1887, Sankichi Yamamoto, a famous puppeteer, came to Masuda, the southern-most town of Shimane Prefecture, after the popularity of his Tokyo shows declined. A local merchant met Yamamoto in Osaka and brought his troupe to Komatsuren, a Joruri group in Masuda. It was then that Masuda String Puppets was born. A minimum of five years is required to perfect puppetry skills, at the sacrifice of many evenings and weekends. The puppeteers believe without this commitment to their craft, their remaining knowledge and skills will be lost forever. They are now training the next generation of young puppeteers in order to carry on their legacy. In addition, they are working to revive Izumo Puppetry. Masuda String Puppets is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture.