![]() ![]() Zeman’s films combined live action and animation in harnessing the magical worlds of fairy tales and fantasy with elaborate finesse and ingenious technique. Zeman was a true successor to pioneer special effects master Georges Méliès and became a magician of the big screen, inspiring the legendary worlds of Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam. Here I found a spectacular interactive display of old school techniques in special effects and stop motion film and animation from the 1940’s to the 1980’s era, including photographs and documentary material from the life and work of the visionary filmmaker Karel Zeman. In its place, a small art gallery and a friendly lady greeted me, who then sent me a thread across the city to the Karel Zeman Museum.Īrriving via the famous Charles Street Bridge with all its characteristic charm, led me straight into the quaint front entrance of the museum, nestled by a cobblestone arch. The trail began in the center of Praha, catching underground trains, riding rattling, old tramcars and walking down cobblestone streets and alleyways.įirst, I found myself on the way into the Praha 7 district, looking for the Prague Puppet Museum, which sadly, I found to be closed down. My trip to the Czech Republic was inspired by the search for the story of puppetry and stop motion animation, in the very heart and homes of Ji ří Trnka, Jan Švankmajer and Ji ří Barta. The LDFO – Summer Camp Puppet Theatre, Skoda Puppet Theatre, DRAK Theatre and modern day Alfa Theatre were also of note. The careers of Josef Skupa, Karel Novák, Gustav Nosek and Ji ří Trnka, amongst others, are tracked through time in a wonderful presentation. I spent four hours in the museum, reading, sketching, watching and photographing the brilliant worlds of puppet pioneers, from the early 19 th century through to the 20 th century and modern day puppet theatres. It was a completely immersive experience and a total inspiration peering into the intricate world of puppetry. ![]() Renee Clark.Sitting on the train tumbling through the beautiful Czech countryside scattered with snow, I feel in awe of the amazing experience I have had at the Museum Loutek Plzen, (Pilsen) in March 2018 on my very first overseas trip. 26 called “ A Conversation with Black Theater Artists.” Panelists include Jared Brodie, Raymond Carr, Jimmica Collins, Greg Hunter, and S. ![]() Harrison will be moderating a panel discussion on Feb. A special hands-on, interactive workshop will be held on Feb. One of the stories that will be performed virtually is “Anansi The Spider.” This is part of their “ Stories of Color” program that uses music, stories, song, and puppet-building to explore folktales of the African Diaspora. Collins agreed, “It helps them understand, ‘you know sometimes people aren’t very nice.’ But when you’re looking at a puppet, it brings a little bit of joy even while you’re learning about something that’s not so full of joy.” Harrison believes that it can be helpful for kids to see themselves in the characters that are being acted out by the puppets.” Even though it may be hyperbolic for the story-telling purposes, we can still feel the nugget of truth in these stories,” said Harrison. “I find that puppets are just a universal language,” said Burmenko. The use of puppets allows children to better understand difficult topics such as race, history, and persecution. They were joined by puppeteer Jimmica Collins. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Sara Burmenko, Director of the Digital Learning Program, and Brian Harrison, moderator of a panel and employee at the Center for Puppetry Arts in the Digital Learning department. That diversity is central to The World of Puppetry Museum and the Center furthers inclusivity outreach with its programming for Black History Month. From its start, the Center for Puppetry Arts has honored the background in stories of many people.
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