Behind the Scenes: The Making of Our Puppet Shows
A glimpse into the meticulous dedication and rigorous preparation that brings our traditional puppets to life before they ever step onto the stage.
This video offers a sneak peek into our rehearsals for the "Chudala" puppet show. You can see our team preparing the puppets, including the intricate stringing of parrot puppets, and even the youngest members of our family getting involved.
More behind-the-scenes footage from our "Chudala" rehearsals. It shows the dedication of our puppeteers and the collaborative effort required to bring a story to life through string puppetry.
Here, we are testing the mechanics of a 'Kolaata' or stick dance puppet arrangement for our Navaratra doll festival. This preparation is key to creating the dynamic and lively displays our visitors love.
A precious memory from 1976, showing me as a young student during a Bharatanatyam class with my Guru, Sri Kaushik. My journey in the performing arts began here, and this discipline is the foundation of all my work in puppetry and dance.
About Behind the Curtains: The Making of Magic
It is not just about the puppets themselves; it is about the rhythm of the strings and the patience required to make wood and fabric dance. When you watch our rehearsals, you see the hours of synchronization between our puppeteers and the recorded music, ensuring that every movement of a puppet’s limb matches the narrative’s emotional beat. This is the unseen discipline that transforms a simple wooden figure into a storyteller.
The Mechanics of Tradition
Our rehearsals at Dhaatu are where the physical and the spiritual converge. Whether it is a classic Ramayana retelling or a contemporary interpretation, the process remains grounded in Dakshina Bharata sampradaya. It is not uncommon to see our team spending hours refining the movement of a single puppet. This includes checking the tension of the strings and the balance of the joints to ensure that, on stage, the puppet appears weightless.
Why We Document the Process
We believe in sharing the reality of our work because it demystifies the art form. Many people assume puppetry is simple child's play, but it is an exacting science of gravity, rhythm, and storytelling. By observing our preparation—from the initial carving of the wooden frames to the complex multi-string arrangements—audiences gain a deeper respect for the work.
The Role of Our Community
The preparation is also a family affair. You will often see the younger generation involved in the process, learning the subtle art of manipulation. This intergenerational transfer of knowledge is how we ensure these stories survive. Whether we are preparing for the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival or a private event in Bengaluru, our goal remains the same: to present a performance that honors the roots of Indian culture while engaging the modern spectator.
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