Marionette a la planchette

[watervole]

 Here's something I was unaware of until now.

A variation on the jig doll, but in a way that allows a musician to play an instrument and control the doll at the same time.

"" (Watch on YouTube)

I am suddenly suffering a terrible temptation to try this with Alex V...

"" (Watch on YouTube)

 I can never decide whether to simplify Alex's costume or not.  He looks wonderful in his full costume, but it also prevents his limbs from swinging freely.  I could remove his trousers and paint his legs black and do the same for his arms, but I can't quite bring myself to do it.  (He keeps his tatters whatever happens)

Comments

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

... I want one of those dolls. Sis would KILL me, but I want.

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Is this doll - or something very similar - in one of the M7 episodes?:-)

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I don't know. They certainly existed in America.

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

Jody is a great performer isn't he?

Yes, I think the trousers were a mistake - they look nicer than bare legs on a static doll but they are too restrictive for dancing. I've been wondering whether it might be possible to free up the arms a bit without removing the sleeves entirely by separating the sleeves from the shirt and gluing the tops of the sleeves to the tops of the arms, so it looks like he's still wearing a full shirt but the shoulders are less restricted. I'm planning to try doing that with Queen Victoria's dress. The Highlander's jacket will simply be painted on (he'll have a real kilt though!).

Once I've finished those two and the frame I'll have a play and put up a video. If you decide to convert Alex I can bring another frame down with me.

BTW I get the impression that marionettes a la planchette have been around quite a bit longer than jig dolls. Some nice pictures on this page: http://www.pipeandtaborcompendium.co.uk/street_entertainers/marionettes/marionettes.html

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

I have never seen these dolls here though there is a long tradition of Czech marrionettes here which goes back to a half of 18th century. There were performers long before from other countries but unfortunately the Hussite reformation had stopped the progress already in 15th century. After the 30-Year War, there was a harsh and unmerciful re-catholisation and for the folk, almost no entertainment existed, the Church controlled all. And so soon, simple plays with marionettes became very popular and they started the tradition.
I think you have posted your video with Alex once:-). I like it very much and I admire your perfect rhythm too.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I've got a lot of this kind of puppet -

Is that the kind of marionette you mean?