COPA AND LACMA PLAY HOST TO JAPANESE PUPPETEER
Over 100 visitors enjoyed a rare inter-cultural event on January 28. The program was sponsored by the Conservatory of Puppetry Arts and the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry. Renowned puppeteers, Manami Kimura presented a program of three short dances and an explanation of the art of Bunraku.
Otome Bunraku (Women’s Bunraku) evolved in the early 20th century, specifically for women. Instead of the traditional Bunraku in which three puppeteers operate a single puppet, Otome Bunraku is performed by one puppeteer, utilizing a harness of sorts to facilitate manipulation. Minami Kimura is traveling the country on a cultural scholarship grant from the Asian Council Institute in hopes of energizing this tradition.
Sam Hale, membership chair of LAGOP, translated for Manami. Soon, she will be traveling to Seattle to work with “Tears of Joy” puppet company.