The Role of a Puppeteer in Puppetry

The genesis of puppetry in India lies in folk theatre. The term Sutradhar, or puppeteers, commonly used in traditional theatre, refers to the narrator and literally means "holder of the strings." Puppeteers bring inanimate objects to life, making them perform and interpret scripts with the same degree of integrity as actors. They work with a variety of different puppets, and some puppeteers even make their own. Producing a puppet play can place enormous demands on the puppeteer, who must cope with poor physical conditions, such as working in unusual positions on, under, or above the set, while also operating a variety of puppets. They must deliver scripted dialogue in character while managing often unwieldy puppets.

Puppet theatre in India has its own idiom: "the puppeteer designs the figure and the idea much in the same way as an artist or a poet." Puppeteers are mostly found in village fairs and festivals during the winter. Their art is itinerant, so they carry their equipment packed into boxes or rolled into cloth bags. While rod and string puppeteers require a makeshift stage, a curtain to hide the manipulation, and sometimes a backdrop, the fast-disappearing glove puppet needs no such props. It is the dexterity and musicality of the lone performer that captivates the audience.

A puppeteer must believe in their characters, focus on their puppets, and maintain an overall picture of balance and professionalism during the performance. The presentation of puppet programs may involve the creative efforts of many people working together. A puppeteer should be able to contribute ideas to enhance their performance in a creative and collaborative manner, while also taking direction from the directing team. They must remember their exact positions and movements throughout the performance.

Conclusion:

The rich tradition of puppetry in India reflects the ingenuity and cultural depth of its folk theatre origins. As modern audiences continue to appreciate the artistry of puppeteers, it is crucial to support and preserve this unique form of storytelling. Whether at village fairs or contemporary festivals, the magic of puppetry remains a testament to human creativity and expression. By embracing both traditional techniques and innovative approaches, puppeteers ensure that this ancient art form not only survives but thrives in the digital age. The enchanting world of Indian puppetry, with its intricate designs and captivating performances, continues to inspire and mesmerize audiences across generations.

Please do read my other blogposts, link below:⏬

ORIGIN OF PUPPETRY IN INDIA

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUPPETS FOUND IN INDIA

THEMES OF PUPPETS SHOWS IN INDIA

FAMOUS PUPPETEERS IN INDIA.

ROLE OF PUPPETEER IN PUPPETRY SHOWS

KATHPUTLI-THE TRADITIONAL FOLK ART OF RAJASTHAN

PUTUL NAACH(DANCE):THE FOLK PUPPETRY OF WEST BENGAL

SHADOW PUPPETRY IN INDIA

ADVANTAGES OF PUPPETRY AS A MEDIUM FOR EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

PUPPETRY AS MEDIUM FOR DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION

EXPLORING THE COMPLEX CHARACTER OF NOBITA NOBI IN DORAEMON

MY VISIT TO ALIPORE JAIL MUSEUM

EXPIRED DOMAIN ABUSE