| Up until recently, the art of puppetry had all but fallen | | | | so too are the skills of the puppeteer. |
| off the entertainment radar. Now, one European | | | | There's a real sense of comedic timing in the |
| country and its skilled puppeteers are raising the art to | | | | performances. Ranging far beyond voice skills, the deft |
| a new level not seen in almost a generation. | | | | movements and reactions of the marionettes tell a |
| For those of us old enough to remember growing up in | | | | story as convincing as any movie. Because puppetry |
| the 1960's, childrens entertainment was much simpler | | | | is so revered in the country, some of the world's finest |
| than today. Television shows were minimalist, with no | | | | practitioners are of Czech heritage. |
| special sound effects or graphics to hold our attention. | | | | Revival Of An Art |
| In fact, most of the entertainment was personality | | | | Thankfully, audiences are once again beginning to |
| driven - sometimes human and sometimes unique | | | | appreciate the art and performance of puppetry. In |
| handmade puppets with a personality all their own. | | | | New York City, a highly respected traveling theater |
| We fondly remember some of the puppet characters | | | | has blossomed, the Czechoslovak American |
| from our childhood. In Chicago, we enjoyed Garfield | | | | Marionette Theater. Playing to rave reviews, |
| Goose and his cast of many friends. Watching these | | | | performances are in high demand with children and |
| shows years later, they still hold up as timeless, | | | | adults alike. |
| wholesome entertainment. | | | | Interestingly, this resurgence has now become a |
| But somewhere along the way, the art of puppetry all | | | | growing and creative hobby. Since simple puppets are |
| but disappeared. Now, almost 50 years later, it's | | | | quite inexpensive to make, young people are |
| making a comeback. The genesis of this resurgence | | | | embracing the art. In addition to developing their artistic |
| begins in the Czech Republic, a country where the art | | | | skills, puppetry helps develop social skills, much like |
| of puppetry has never vanished from public | | | | traditional theater. |
| consciousness. | | | | Further, production costs are minimal. Puppet theaters |
| Czech Puppets And Puppetry | | | | are available for purchase already constructed, |
| If you've ever traveled to Prague or visited the | | | | although many choose to create a venue themselves. |
| surrounding villages, it's not uncommon to see puppet | | | | Sometimes all it takes is an old chest of drawers to |
| theaters set up in public gathering places. In the Czech | | | | hide behind! |
| Republic, puppetry is a highly respected art form. | | | | Summary |
| Shows are developed based on traditional tales, with a | | | | Long a part of Czech and Slovak heritage, puppetry |
| touch of modernism added. | | | | has once again blossomed in communities across the |
| And these aren't just any puppets and marionettes. | | | | world. Rich, traditional stories are being told once again, |
| Often hand carved from wood, many are heirloom | | | | and new creative talents are adding their own touches |
| pieces passed down from generation to generation. | | | | to an art that has thankfully been revived. |
| And just as the tools of the trade are handed down, | | | | |