Everyone is invited to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a master Japanese artist in September at two Big Island public libraries. ADVERTISING Everyone is invited to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a master Japanese artist in
Everyone is invited to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with a master Japanese artist in September at two Big Island public libraries.
Koryu Nishikawa V, a fifth generation master puppeteer of the Kuruma Ningyo style, will conduct free workshops in traditional Japanese puppetry. The workshops are at 1 p.m. at Hilo Public Library and 5 p.m. at Kailua-Kona Public Library, both on Sept. 19.
Kuruma Ningyo is the 160-year-old form of puppetry related to the three-person style of Bunraku. However, in Kuruma Ningyo, a puppet is operated by a single puppeteer sitting on a small wheeled cart.
The puppeteer uses his hands and feet to manipulate the puppet’s arms, legs and head, all while rolling about the stage on the cart.
Assisting Nishikawa will be Tom Lee, director, designer, puppet artist and former Mililani, Oahu, resident, who has appeared in “War Horse” on Broadway and in “Madama Butterfly” at the Metropolitan Opera.
Workshop participants can get up close to see the beautiful traditional Japanese puppets and watch how they are brought to life through skillful puppetry technique.
The program schedule is subject to change.
