THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL
From BUNRAKU towards a future theatre.
 A performance-based course with Japanese master-puppeteer Nori SAWA.
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25th to 29th March 2008.
At Rattery, near Totnes, Devon, England.
For Puppeteers, Actors, Designers, Artists, Dancers, Musicians.

A rare opportunity to engage with the traditions of the ancient art of Japanese "Bunraku" puppet theatre…
and to bring these skills up to date and make work relevant to today's theatre.
This is a course for adults: not for anyone under 18 years old.

Japanese traditional puppet theatre, which has almost one thousand years of history, has developed into what is often called the most highly developed puppet theatre art in the world.
This was achieved by the invention of a technique using three performers to manipulate each puppet, combined with live music and narration.

Around the world, theatre has taken this ancient form (often referred to as "Bunraku"… but more correctly called "ningyo-joruri") and developed it into new styles. These are usually characterised by having more than one performer working each puppet and having the operators in view behind the puppets.

For more details about Bunraku: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunraku
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Aim
For you learn from a great traditional puppet form and to find our own approach to using puppetry in contemporary theatre.

Method
Introduction to ningyo-joruri or Japanese traditional puppetry.
A lecture, discussion and demonstration using video and sample-puppets. Participants will learn the concepts and techniques of traditional Japanese puppetry.
Improvisations.
Working in groups, using simple material and objects, participants will develop short performances through improvisation. We will experiment with lighting, and will have a musician join us to add live music and sounds.
Presentation.
We will try out some of your work in front of an invited audience… or maybe go busking! … or we may capture your performance on video.

At Rattery Village Hall, about 6 miles from Totnes, Devon.

Nori SAWA: Japanese master-puppeteer.
Since 1991, Nori has worked professionally in theatre, having been selected as special artist by The Cultural Ministry of the Japanese Government.
He has performed and taught in more than 20 countries:
Czech and Slovak Republic, Germany, France, Holland, Finland, Italy, Spain,
Greece, Hungary, Russia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, USA, UK…etc.
NORI comes highly recommended from a number of sources including Buxton Puppet Festival who say, "he is a wonderful trainer and a delightful person."

Provided
Materials, equipment, lights.
Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be provided. (A contribution to the cost of tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be welcome.)

Timetable:
Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 6pm.
Saturday: 9am to 1pm.

Travel and accommodation
 Totnes is the nearest Town and on the main line train from London (3 Hours).

Accommodation is available at many B+B's. Typically a single costs from £30 to £60 per night.
For accommodation contact the Totnes Tourist Information on 01803 863168 www.totnesinformation.co.uk
Ask for a booklet/list to be sent to you. If you do not have your own transport, book accommodation that is in or near Rattery. If you have your own transport you may prefer to be in Totnes, where there is a greater choice of restaurants, shops etc. It may be possible to share transport with other people coming on the week... see booking form. Do make accommodation enquires as early as possible.
A room at a family home: some friends may have a room or two available…. Details if required.
Camping and Caravanning: Please contact me for details.
Food (not included): There is a pub within a short walk. The hall where we will be has a fully equipped kitchen.
Entertainment You will be 10 minutes drive from Dartmoor, 30 minutes from beaches, 15 minutes from an excellent cinema and arts venue on the Dartington Hall Estate. Look at www.dartington.org/arts
Insurance. You will be covered by PuppetCraft's public liability insurance. If you need details contact me.

Fee: £95 including VAT.
 10 places are reserved for people living and/or working in the South West of England.
Grants will be given to allow 3 people from the South West to pay only £60. See booking form for details.
The course may be canceled due to unforeseen events.... .....illness of tutor etc - then naturally your payment, including deposit will be fully refunded.

Click here for a Booking Form

For any enquiries, please contact John Roberts, PuppetCraft, 1 Venton Oak Cottages, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6DW, England.
Tel: 01803-867778 e mail: john@puppetcraft.co.uk
International phoning: + 44 1803 867778
www.puppetcraft.co.uk