Experience the beauty of bunraku, one of Japan’s historic forms of puppet theatre, where intricately crafted puppets come to life through masterful manipulation, accompanied by narration and the evocative sounds of the shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument).
Bunraku is an important performing art in Japan and was designated by UNESCO as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. A distinctive feature of bunraku is that each puppet is operated by three puppeteers working in perfect coordination, synchronizing puppetry with narration and shamisen music. The art form traces its origins in its present form to the 17th century, when older puppet traditions merged with medieval narrative storytelling to form ningyō jōruri (puppet narratives).
At this event, Japan House London is pleased to welcome performers from the Bunraku Association in Osaka, who perform Ninin Sanbasō (a two-puppet dance), a celebratory piece praying for a bountiful harvest and peace throughout the land. With dance at its centre, the piece is distinguished by its intricate interplay of visual, musical and physical rhythms. The two puppet characters dynamically interact, through changes of pace, expressive interaction and humour.
The event begins with an introductory talk led by Dr Alan Cummings of SOAS University of London, offering insights into the historical background of bunraku and the respective roles of the tayū (narrator), shamisen player and puppeteer. The session is followed by an opportunity to ask questions after the performance.
About the Bunraku Association
Bunraku Association (Bunraku Kyōkai) is a foundation dedicated to the preservation, transmission and promotion of bunraku, Japan’s renowned puppet theatre. Established in 1963, the Association became a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation in 2012. Today, it serves as the principal organization representing bunraku performers (including narrators (tayū), shamisen musicians, and puppeteers) and is responsible for producing performances and nurturing the next generation of artists.
About the speaker
Dr Alan Cummings is a senior lecturer in Japanese in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics at SOAS University of London. His research is on early modern Japanese literature and theatre, particularly kabuki and ningyōjōruri (bunraku). He has published Haiku: Love (2013) and several translations in the Kabuki Plays On Stage series.
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