Puppetry

Puppetry is believed to be an extremely old art form. Many believe and consider it to be the oldest art form, or form of theatre, in history. The earliest date that has been recognized as being related to puppetry is about 2000 BC, in Egypt. However, nobody is positive. The oldest record of puppetry that has been written dates to 422 BC in the written records of Xenophon.

After that, puppetry shows up all over the world in history, in endless different forms. There came forms like stringed puppets, shadow puppets, hand puppets, rod puppets, walk-about puppets, and several others.

                                                                            

(this picture show a group of puppeteers working with rod puppets.)

In modern days, puppetry is seen quite often. Most often, it is common in children's shows. Big examples of this are Sesame Street, and Lamb Chop's Play Along. Television shows such as these have formed a view of puppets in modern society that causes people to have the idea that puppets are primarily for children's programs. Although that statement may be accurate, seeing as there are many children's television programs these days that use puppets for entertainment, there are other examples of very un child-like performances that are making themselves famous. A great example of this is the broadway play War Horse. This play has a theme that is very serious and somber, and may be thought to be unsuitable for children. The extent of the rod puppets used in this particular performance is encredible.

(This image shows a climactic scene from the production War Horse.)

Even today, puppetry, even though it is not as popular as it once was, it a very interesting form of theatre, and seems to grasp interest and attention wherever it shows up. Puppetry is  a great and inspiring art form.

(This video shows a massive marionette puppet in Berlin, Germany, being held up by a crane.)