Classical tradition of puppetry from Japan. Bunraku puppets are created and operated by craftsmen who truly have the skills to pay the bills. Each puppet is controlled by three operators: the least experienced works the feet, an intermediate puppeteer works the left arm, and a master works the head and right arm. Progressing to the next stage can take the puppeteer 10 years.

Bunraku plays are performed with the accompaniment of samisen music and a narrator who speaks all of the dialogue etc. in a stylised, high-pitched manner. The plays themselves often tell stories familiar from kabuki theatre, involving all the old favourite themes, such as doomed love, suicide, brave warriors, and transformation. Bunraku theatre also shares with kabuki a delight in special effects.

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