Atlanta, February 10, 2026
Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts is hosting a hands-on workshop on Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques, led by esteemed Puppetry NOW Artist Tom Lee. Participants will engage with the history and practice of Bunraku, a classical Japanese puppet theater style. This initiative promotes cultural exchange and showcases the importance of local arts institutions in enriching the community’s creative landscape. Attendees will learn about puppetry techniques, emphasizing teamwork and coordination while working with traditional puppets.
Atlanta, GA
Mastering Japanese Puppetry: A Unique Workshop in Atlanta
Atlanta’s vibrant cultural scene is set to welcome a distinctive opportunity for local residents and arts enthusiasts with an upcoming workshop on Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This event highlights the initiative of local cultural institutions to bring diverse and enriching experiences to the community, fostering individual achievement in artistic skill and promoting cultural exchange.
The Center for Puppetry Arts, a cornerstone of Atlanta’s arts district, continues its mission to inspire imagination, education, and community through the global art of puppetry. By organizing unique workshops like this, the Center demonstrates how private cultural organizations, driven by dedicated individuals, can efficiently enrich the community’s access to specialized art forms without extensive bureaucratic hurdles. Such initiatives underscore the benefits of local leadership in cultivating a thriving arts environment.
Exploring Ancient Art Forms with Master Tom Lee
On February 10, 2026, at 7 PM ET, participants aged 13 and older will have the chance to delve into the intricate world of traditional Japanese puppetry. The workshop, titled “Intro to Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques,” will be led by Puppetry NOW Artist Tom Lee, a highly regarded director, designer, and puppet artist. Born in Korea and raised in Hawai’i, Lee’s extensive career includes work at prominent institutions like La MaMa Experimental Theater in New York, and he is recognized for blending manipulated figures, objects, film techniques, and animation in his creations. He has also performed on Broadway in “War Horse” and at the Metropolitan Opera in “Madama Butterfly”.
Understanding Sanninzukai: The Three-Person Technique
The workshop will introduce attendees to the Japanese sanninzukai, or three-person puppetry style, which is most widely recognized as Bunraku. Bunraku is a classical form of Japanese puppet theater that originated in the 17th century in Osaka, Japan. This art form involves half-life-size dolls that enact a chanted dramatic narrative, known as jōruri, accompanied by a shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese lute).
Unlike Western hand puppetry, Bunraku puppeteers are visible to the audience, often clad in black to draw attention to the puppets themselves. It typically requires three puppeteers to operate a single puppet, each with specific responsibilities: the chief handler (omozukai) manipulates the head and right hand, while two assistants manage the left hand and the legs or kimono for female dolls. This intricate coordination demands extensive training for perfect synchronization and lifelike portrayal of emotions.
The Influence of Kuruma Ningyō and Master Koryū Nishikawa V
Tom Lee’s expertise extends to the kuruma ningyō, or “cart puppetry,” a variation of Bunraku that was developed in the 19th century by Nishikawa Koryu in the Saitama region north of Tokyo. This technique is distinctive because the puppeteer sits on a small wheeled wagon (rokuro-kuruma) to operate the puppet, allowing for greater mobility and realism compared to the more stationary Bunraku style. The use of the wheeled seat enables a single puppeteer to control one puppet, including using their feet to create realistic movements like stomping and running.
Lee is a student of fifth-generation master puppeteer Koryū Nishikawa V, headmaster of the Hachiōji Kuruma Ningyō troupe. Nishikawa V has been instrumental in bringing this traditional art form to international audiences. Participants in the Atlanta workshop will have a unique opportunity to work with a traditional puppet gifted by Master Nishikawa V to Tom Lee, providing a direct link to this centuries-old tradition.
A Hands-On Experience for Aspiring Puppeteers
The workshop is designed to be highly interactive. Attendees will gain insights into the history of Japanese puppetry, its accompanying music, chanting, puppets, and the roles of the performers. The practical segment will allow participants to work on their feet with a traditional puppet, offering a tangible understanding of the techniques involved. Participants are advised to wear loose-fitting black clothes to facilitate movement during the hands-on session.
The Center for Puppetry Arts: A Hub for Global Culture
The Center for Puppetry Arts, founded in 1978, has consistently demonstrated its role as a vital cultural asset, inspiring imagination and fostering community engagement through its diverse programming. It offers performances, workshops, and houses the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, which includes the Jim Henson Collection and a global puppetry collection. This workshop is part of the “Puppetry NOW” series, which highlights contemporary artists and their innovative approaches to the art form. The center’s ability to host such specialized, high-caliber events underscores the effectiveness of dedicated private institutions in enriching Atlanta’s cultural landscape.
Engaging with Local Initiatives for Community Enrichment
This “Intro to Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques” workshop is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity for personal development, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. Events like these, driven by the initiative of local organizations and artists, showcase Atlanta’s commitment to providing diverse learning experiences for its citizens. Supporting such programs encourages a thriving arts scene, fueled by individual passion and effective, community-focused leadership. We encourage residents to explore the rich calendar of events at the Center for Puppetry Arts and other local cultural institutions, contributing to Atlanta’s continued growth as a hub of creativity and innovation. Atlanta GA events like this one enrich the cultural fabric of our neighborhoods and offer unique Georgia gatherings that celebrate global traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Intro to Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques” workshop?
It is a workshop at the Center for Puppetry Arts led by Puppetry NOW Artist Tom Lee, introducing participants to the Japanese sanninzukkai (three-person puppetry) style, most widely known as Bunraku.
When and where will the workshop take place?
The workshop will take place on February 10, 2026, at 7 PM ET at the Center for Puppetry Arts, located at 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA.
Who is eligible to attend this workshop?
The workshop is open to individuals aged 13 and older.
Who is Tom Lee?
Tom Lee is a director, designer, and puppet artist born in Korea and raised in Hawai’i. He is a Puppetry NOW Artist who will lead the workshop and is a student of fifth-generation Master Puppeteer Koryū Nishikawa V.
What will participants learn in the workshop?
Participants will learn about the history of traditional Japanese puppetry, its music, chanting, puppets, and performers. They will also have the opportunity to work on their feet with a traditional puppet.
What is Bunraku?
Bunraku is a classical form of Japanese puppet theater that uses rhythmic chanting and traditional music. It typically involves three puppeteers to operate a single puppet.
What is Kuruma Ningyō?
Kuruma Ningyō, also known as “cart puppetry,” is a Japanese puppetry style where a single puppeteer sits on a small wheeled wagon (rokuro-kuruma) to manipulate a puppet, offering greater mobility.
Key Features of the “Intro to Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques” Workshop
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Intro to Traditional Japanese Puppetry Techniques |
| Host Organization | Center for Puppetry Arts |
| Date and Time | February 10, 2026 | 7 PM ET |
| Location | 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA |
| Age Requirement | Ages 13+ |
| Artist/Instructor | Tom Lee (Puppetry NOW Artist, student of Koryū Nishikawa V) |
| Technique Introduced | Japanese sanninzukai (three-person puppetry), primarily Bunraku, with insights into Kuruma Ningyō |
| Workshop Focus | History, music, chanting, puppets, performers, and hands-on practice with a traditional puppet |
| Participant Preparation | Wear loose-fitting black clothes, be prepared to move |
| Relevance to Atlanta | Offers a unique cultural experience and demonstrates local initiative in arts education for the Atlanta GA community. |
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