More marionettes a la planchette

[watervole]

 Alex Holden linked to this page  which is full of pictures of marionettes a la planchette.  The interesting thing to me is that it's part of a  pipe and tabor web site.  I stated learning to play pipe and tabor and it fell by the wayside when I hit time and health problems, but I want to get back to it, and this may be the perfect excuse.


 

If I convert Alex the fifth to a marionette, then I can play for him myself using either concertina or pipe and tabor.

I think I see a conversion in his near future...

Comments

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great idea!

Here's another couple of pictures I just came across of what looks like a good setup with two very nicely made marionettes; interestingly the male puppet has trousers like Alex the jig doll. Shame there wasn't a video to see how well he dances.
http://www.gentblogt.be/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/20080720_degimbe1.jpg
http://www.gentblogt.be/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/20080720_degimbe2.jpg

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Interesting photos. Clearly showing one string for each puppet. I did wonder about that in the other drawings as the dolls would surely fall together in the middle of the string (unless tied to the spot).

I'd guess the trousers would limit movement a bit, though it would depend on the hip joints. I can show you my Pelham marionettes and how the legs articulate there - though they often went for short trousers to minimise the problem.

Bring some paint and a drill when you come and we'll experiment. I'll see if I can redo his shirt to free up the shoulder joint.

Definitely bring a frame. I'm looking forward to this!

I've got some even smaller bells that I may be able to fasten on painted legs with a bit of elastic.

I think we can rig him so he can be used as a jig doll or a marionette.

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

I would imagine the strings are knotted so the puppets can't slide along it. The main difference I can see between two puppets on one string or two separate strings is that with them both on one the puppets face each other (in some acts they are actually 'holding hands'), and with two they dance side by side facing the audience. There is more potential for expressiveness and trick movements with two strings, though they would also probably be more difficult to operate, particularly if you were performing standing up. I showed these photos to the client and he said he'd rather stick with one string for simplicity.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I agree, one string should be much easier to control. It's instinctive to tap one foot, not two. Move two and you may get balance issues. I notice that guy with two strings was sitting rather than standing.

I'd probably fasten a bead or button on to the string rather than use a knot.

[alex-holden.livejournal.com]

I found a video of the chap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY1bPHCI95E

[watervole.livejournal.com]

interesting. You get quick a different movement style with the dolls as the impact is in the other direction from a jig doll. See how much he relies on flips with the female doll.

The movement in the male doll is mostly from the hips - the trousers do limit the knees a bit. (though, that may be the impact direction again)