Sam+Exam

Samantha Krupica Exam 3/30/17

Bunraku
Bunraku is in the Theatrical Worlds, World Theatre Chapter on page 240. There was not a lot of information other than just the basics. For instance, Bunraku is Japanese puppet theatre and thrived between 1603 to 1867. I found this subject interesting and wanted to know more mainly because Bunraku was a large aspect of the first play we saw, //A Long Christmas Ride Home.// Through further research I found that another name for Bunraku is //ningyo joruri//, which means puppet narration. Also, most of the plays follow themes of social obligations and human emotions. One of the most famous writers of the plays was Chikamatsu Monzaemon.Modern day Bunraku combines puppetry, chanting and music.

Further, the traditional theatre is also known as a high level of art, and was first called Bunraku in 1868. In Japan there is a National Bunraku Theatre troupe in Osaka and they only put on about 5 shows a year. There are not many people putting on Bunraku shows currently. The essential music is mainly chanting and singing which is done by the //tayu.// Facial expressions are also important to the chanter. The typical costumes are colorful robes and kimonos and vests.

https://youtu.be/1qcBSAwQVpw

Overall the tradition Bunraku theatre is very different from any modern western theatre. However, many aspects of Bunraku influence modern day theatre both in Japan and the western world.