Puppets and the Spirit World

This course examines the practice of puppetry—animating otherwise inanimate objects and figures in performance. In many cultures this process of animation is closely connected to ideas about gods, the “supernatural,” wonder, the uncanny, and the sublime. In this class we will study some of the major global traditions of puppetry, in the ancient Mediterranean world, in premodern Indonesia, early modern Japan, and in North America. We will also learn about the connection between puppets and theories of animacy and wonder through hands-on classes and practical training in the basics of puppetry. We will find and analyze shows in New York’s thriving puppetry culture, and students will have the opportunity to prepare their own show in the final weeks of the semester.