Banraku

Puppets are manipulated on stage by 3 puppeteers

-Head puppeteer (ono - zukai) who works the head and right arm

He is dressed in a black kimono, or white during the months of June, July and August. Hid face is exposed and in full view. He also wears stage clogs about 12 inches high to be able to work above his assistants

-2nd puppeteer ( Hidari - zukai) works the left arm, and will manipulate some props. Both he and the leg man are dressed in all black with hoods covering their faces.

-Leg operator (ashi - zukai) works the legs of the puppet, including creating the sounds of the steps using his own, following very spefic rul

Puppets are approximately ½ to 2/3 Human size, ranging in height form 2 ½ feet to 5 feet tall.

Again the training as a narrator will begin about age 14 and can be passed down through a family.

At one theater if they are doing a play that has not been produced in at least a century they will have all the fabrics specifically woven, dyed and embroidered.

The dolls eyes can open, close, look right to left and possibly even squint.

now they are exclusively created by full time costumers. Each Banraku Troupe will additionally hire a full time wardrobe and wig master.

Some topics in this essay:
August Hid, Banraku Troupe, , dressed black, 6 types,