Upstate International hosts the Tonda Traditional Puppetry Theater
March 16, 2016
The Tonda Puppet Troupe, founded in the 1830s, is one of the most active groups performing traditional ningyō jōruri or Bunraku puppetry in Japan, and has been officially designated “Living National Treasures” under Japan’s program for preserving its culture. Even in Japan, Bunraku is a relatively unusual form of theater, for which people travel great distances to see.
The ningyo puppets are meticulously crafted pieces of art approximately one-half or two-thirds life-size. Three puppeteers must all become one with the doll in order to manipulate it, and they must work together with the chanter and the shamisen player. It is this striking co-ordination that renders Bunraku so outstanding as the magnificent puppets seem to come alive.
Based in the northern part of the city of Nagahama on the shore of Lake Biwa, in Shiga Prefecture, the Tonda Puppets have made international performance tours to Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The Troupe performs regularly at its own theatre in Nagahama and on tour within Japan. The Tonda Puppet Troupe also instructs students in Bunraku puppetry and hosts training sessions for local citizens interested in pursuing the art of the traditional puppet theatre.
As part of Upstate International Month there are 5 performances in the Upstate that are free and open to the public.
March 22, 2016 @ 7:00 pm: Furman University, Daniel Recital Hall, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC.
March 23, 2016 @7:00 pm: Clemson University, Strom Thumond Institute Auditorium, Kappa St.
Clemson, SC. Phone: 864-656-3311 Event website: http://calendar.clemson.edu/event/tonda_japanese_puppet_theater#.Vt8RbfkrKih
March 24, 2016 @ 7:00 pm: USC-Upstate, Humanities and Performing Arts Center (HPAC) Theatre, 800 University Way,
Spartanburg, SC. Phone: 864-503-5989 Event website: http://events.uscupstate.edu/calendar/events.php
March 25, 2016 @ 1:00 pm: Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, 335 Greenacre Road, Greenville, SC
Event website: http://www.pwaupstatesc.org/ RSVP to: Phillis Wheatley Community Center – 864-240-4242
March 26, 2016 @ 11:00 am: Pelham Regional Medical Center’s Community Room, 2755 S. Hyw 14, Greer, SC
RSVP to Madison Pate at 864-849-9130 or [email protected]
About Upstate International
Upstate International is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose focus is on empowering people and businesses of all nations to thrive in the Upstate by connecting them through programs, events, and initiatives that foster the dynamic exchange of international cultures and ideas. The center is a regional leader in innovative international programs and events, and serves as an important community resource to people from more than 70 countries.
