Components of the Language of Puppetry

The Puppeteer

The puppeteer is a human being who has opted to communicate with his audience through the medium of puppetry. He can either make his own puppets or chose to use puppets that already exist. In either case, he has something he wants to convey to the individuals who watch him perform. The physical appearance of the puppet, its manipulation, its character development and the story to which it belongs are elements that the puppeteer strives to perfect in order to express his message. This is a message that needs to be said, and it must be expressed in an unconventional and creative way.

The puppeteer has an inner need to give voice to his feelings and thoughts. Either he can't use his own voice or he may feel that the voice of the puppet will be a better vessel. The child who stopped talking was able to express the feelings behind his silence through the puppet. He could not do it himself for he was not talking to anyone, which was painful for him, as he really needed to be heard. Puppetry as an alternative form of communication deserves and requires the full respect and open minded listening of the audience. The puppeteer is not delivering a speech or a sermon. He can attain gratification if a dialogue is established with the audience within the theatrical framework. He needs to feel and hear the reactions of his audience, while, at the same time, retaining his anonymity behind the puppet.

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