A Bunraku Of The Fates. She's...Probably Okay?
In the late 17th century, the famous bunraku puppeteer Yoshida Bunzo was performing in front of a large audience in Osaka. During the performance, one of his puppets – a beautiful young maiden named Yugiri – accidentally fell off the stage and into the orchestra pit.
The audience gasped in shock and disbelief, but Bunzo remained calm and composed. He paused the performance, and asked the orchestra to play a special tune called “Yugiri’s Lament” – a mournful melody that was often used in bunraku plays to signify sadness and loss.
As the orchestra played, Bunzo slowly descended into the orchestra pit and retrieved the fallen puppet. He then proceeded to carry Yugiri back onto the stage, cradling her in his arms as he walked. The audience was completely silent, watching in awe as Bunzo continued to perform the play with the puppet in his arms.
The moment was so powerful and emotional that it became known as the “Yugiri Incident,” and it cemented Bunzo’s reputation as one of the greatest bunraku puppeteers of all time. It also helped to solidify the importance of music in bunraku performances, and the role that it can play in creating a powerful and emotional experience for the audience.
What is Bunraku? A Brief Summary
Japanese bunraku is a traditional form of puppet theater that originated in the 17th century. It involves large puppets, often three to four feet tall, operated by three puppeteers who are dressed in black and visible to the audience.
The puppets used in bunraku are incredibly detailed and lifelike, with movable joints and facial features that can be controlled to convey a wide range of emotions. They are often operated with great skill and artistry, and the movements and gestures of the puppeteers are carefully coordinated to create a seamless and expressive performance.
Bunraku performances typically consist of historical dramas or romantic tragedies, and the stories are often accompanied by live music played on traditional Japanese instruments. The performances can be quite long, often lasting several hours, and the art form has a rich and complex history that has been passed down through generations of puppeteers.
Today, bunraku remains an important part of Japanese cultural heritage and is enjoyed by audiences around the world.
Where Does the Word Bunraku Come From?
The word “bunraku” is believed to have come from the name of a famous puppeteer named Uemura Bunrakuken, who was active in the late 17th century.
Uemura was a prominent puppeteer who developed a new style of puppetry that emphasized realistic movements and gestures, and his theater soon became known as “Bunrakuken,” or “the house of Bunraku.”
Over time, the term “bunraku” came to be used more broadly to refer to the style of puppetry that Uemura had developed, and it eventually became the standard term for Japanese puppet theater as a whole. Today, the word “bunraku” is recognized internationally as a unique and important form of puppetry with a rich history and cultural significance.
Do They Still Have Bunraku Shows In Japan?
Bunraku shows are still performed in Japan today, and there are several theaters in Japan where you can see a live performance. The National Bunraku Theater in Osaka is the most well-known venue for bunraku, and it hosts regular performances throughout the year. The National Theater of Japan in Tokyo also stages occasional bunraku performances, as do other regional theaters throughout the country.
If you’re interested in seeing a bunraku show, it’s a good idea to check the schedules of these theaters in advance, as tickets can sometimes sell out quickly. You can also find information about upcoming performances and ticket availability on the theaters’ official websites or by contacting their box offices directly.
