The Japanese wanted the puppet to act as a human being and have conducted several studies. Therefore, some types of puppets such as Edo and Bunraku puppets, among others, have their own unique structure.
The Puppet Edo can be classified into three groups: men, women and animals. Each group has its own characteristic structure and each movement is different from the other group. The puppets are manipulated cleverly Edo to act expressively.
Mitsuru Master Kamijyo discovered an essential element of Japanese culture through the presentation of street puppets, being in contact with the ground. His attitude theater was transformed when his feet felt the earth. Therefore, recalled that Japanese culture is characterized by agriculture, a fact that the Japanese have forgotten. Mitsuru-san believes vehemently that everyone can understand your neighbor through the culture of the land.
Daikagura. Street theater.
It is believed that "Daikagura" began during the Heian Era. There are two theories about its origin. The first says that "Daikagura" arises in the region of Owai Atsuta in Aichi Prefecture, while the second states that the origin is at Ise, in Mie Prefecture.
During the Edo period, "Daikagura" experiment its highest popularity. At that time, a large number of strong religious beliefs gained strength in the temples of Ise and Atsuta. People were eager to worship in these temples throughout his life thus began a period of national pilgrimage. As religious fervor grew, artists working in these sanctuaries went to Edo and other areas of Japan to represent properly the SHISHIMAI (Exorcist Lion dance), distribute amulets and amuse the crowds with his skills as a way titeréscas Entertainment . Gradually, a number of performers was established in Edo, creating the origins of the current Edo-Daikagura Company.
The original purpose of "Daikagura" was to serve as a talisman to ward off the devil in the name of the gods of the temple. Therefore, in principle was regarded as a sacred representation and formal. However, after moving to Edo, the show suffered changes according to the tastes of city dwellers. This contributes to a Shishi-mai (central theme of "Daikagura") more humorous, and parts of the presentation specifically designed to entertain as they wanted the common man, evolved into a format that is now known as "Edo-Daikagura."
Towards the end of the Edo period, these displays of puppets were extended in works such as Kabuki, "Kagura no Uta Kumoi Kyokumari" and other events, enjoying its greatest popularity among the residents of Edo. Even today we witness the continued popularity of these manifestations of puppets, which are still represented in festivals and religious celebrations.
Via: Japanese Performing Arts.
Posted on Thursday March 16, 2006
