Get Hip To The Jive

Marionettes  –  By A. Quixote

There is a particular charm that comes over the marionette enthusiast after making his or her first small figure come alive. Such a curious and charming little creature is the marionette. People of all ages and backgrounds have been drawn to his spell for years. Besides the construction of the puppets, a process known to be time consuming and potentially expensive, the actually manipulation of the puppet is where the real skill–and the interest–lies. After successfully controlling one of these little figures, one quickly finds it difficult not to look forward to their next bout of lighthearted play. The diligent puppeteer will find unlimited avenues for his or her marionettes, and not only for entertainment, but as a profitable enterprise as well!

To our recollection, the marionette dates back to the ancient Chinese dynasties and the fall of Egypt. Their progeny have been located in South America, Rome, Austria-Hungry, and other defunct empires of Europe. Howdy Doody, Lamb Chop, Farfel, Pookie, and Knucklehead have tantalized Americans for years. Having now taken their seat in America’s cultural core, to our reckoning, marionettes came to American audiences via Europe due to their hilarious antics. Though from our studies, the skill of manipulation seems the key attractor for the devotee.

Consider the folksy affair these wooden-headed companions might be. Playful, bendable, yarn-laden-friends intent on pleasing us, making our days lighter and our evenings full of mirth–needless to write, but true nonetheless–casting a particular spell over the American audience. While aficionados share the sly smile of knowledge seeing puppets dancing around the chamber, throwing balls, or just interacting with each other.

In fact, many other amusing feats may be enjoyed through the ingenuity of the operator, but these must be left to the skill of the puppeteer. Don’t be discouraged if you seem incapable of controlling your marionette. Using the controller, as it is commonly called; the newborn enthusiast learns the strings of control. Key to control is the threads that attach to the head and the body. (Leather can sometimes be used, but since leather is also hard to hide, a strong yarn is considered most satisfactory.) Walking is one of the first feats of the novice devotee. Consider that once you have mastered the basics of walking the walk, then sitting, might your next enterprise be the tipping a timber-head no or yes to weighty questions. We think so. With this, you have the basics.

Then that big day arrives, you directing your marionette onto the floor. Oh how splendid are those first days as the marionette struts upon stage–senators could be no more proud. The metaphor brings to mind the notion of power. It does fit to some extent, but this author thinks that a false notion. How could anyone gain satisfaction manipulating a woodenheaded dullard with no will of its own, bound by strings it cannot impact, held aloft by controllers, all of which are as unshakeable as truth? It would be a sad world indeed if too many thought the power-mongering of puppets was a fun and exciting sport. No good reader, marionettes, and their brothers the puppet is far more than a corrupt realpolitrik. Marionettes are a merry band indeed–because their manipulation is an expression of heartfelt desire and connection by the puppet master for his audience.

How amazing is our world of marionettes! What joy you will have sitting down with the family discussing your puppets, or putting on little plays for an audience. Remember, the key to a good play is the message. You might even write a marionette play, or revise a story that has your interest. Take plenty of time to develop your production. Memorize all the right lines. The obvious use of a script will distract the audience from your little friend. Or worse divert the puppeteer’s attention causing the marionette to sag, or fall flat on its face when you are not watching. Another note of caution, make the play simple. As you will see, a complex issue lays raw the block-head of a puppet. The marionette has no voice! So use a prop! Let it speak for your friend. After all, a marionette doesn’t have enough brains speak for himself. How odd it might be if he did. Know that through time and patience these little fellows can be made to do almost anything. One fanatic recently taught his marionette to throw a snowball! How splendid!

Imagine feeling the control, watching your little friend interact with other marionettes moving through your play, acting out your wishes, entertaining the community, and maybe winning you the admiration of the prettiest girl in town. Remember not to have too many puppets in the same place. They draw attention to their strings and sometimes the strings even catch upon each other! What a mess! They are devilish little fellows full of fun and frolic and many clever and original ideas can be put into use. The latter is more of a task, but it guarantees to return appreciation from all the young ladies as sighs for a creative puppeteer.

With marionettes, you’ll never get the icy mitt. The world is an endless canvas of direction and frivolity. Ideas will spring into your head once you have set your sights on directing your marionette. Thoughts and inspiration will pump out like gas into cars. Count on your marionette to keep it so. We do. And always remember your woodenheaded friend needs your strings of support. With just a little hand-tug, your wishes are his!