Vaya con Dios
Mood:  sad
Sunday morning "sayonara" to Sylvia. She's off to Tokyo.

Saturday, April 2nd
Bunraku Theater

Thank goodness for the English audio guide at this theater. We wouldn?t have been able to appreciate this work of art without the English narrative.
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theater that has its origin in the Edo period (1603-1867). Bunraku and Kabuki are closely related with respect to the content of the plays. Bunraku plays are also accompanied by the music of traditional Japanese musical instruments. We heard shamisen, a 3-stringed instrument, and flute at our performance
The puppets are about one meter tall and are manipulated by up to three persons. Every person is responsible for a different part of the puppet. Through many years of experience they are able to make the puppets appear alive despite the fact that the puppeteers are visible on the stage. Puppeteers are dressed in black and wear black hoods.
Sylvia and I were most enthralled with the Tayu or chanter. This man is seated at a Kendai, stand or lectern off stage left. He not only narrates the story but also does all the voices of all the characters. His range of emotions involves chants, shouts, whispers and unearthly sobs. Way cool.

More about BUNRAKU