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Objectives of the Study

In the 21^st century, the world opened up to use of modern technology in every field. The whole world is now a global village, -- a prime example of which is the reach of television in almost every village and video parlour in every remote area. In order not to fall behind, puppetry needs modern technology as a tool to reach the widest possible masses and achieve its educational, communication and entertainment goal as much as possible. The objectives of the study are following:

• To examine which areas of modern technology are relevant to puppetry;
• To see how much use of such technology can made, without breaking away from indigenous tradition;
• To determine the hardware and software of such technology;
• To assess what improvements and benefits can come to puppetry from such usage;
• To identify how, afterwards, puppetry can be a tool for education and social communication for the masses.

Technology Usage in the Indigenous Art of Puppetry

The indigenous art of puppetry has been using modern light effects, sound systems, slide projectors and keyboards. Most of these changes have been unplanned and needs a more systematic approach to develop further the traditional puppets and let them meet the competition from other performing media. Further study will examine this point in depth.

Technology Usage in the Contemporary Puppetry

A variety of light effects, black lamp, sound effects and use of foam, fibreglass, etc. in making puppets are evident today. There should be a detailed study as to which technologies have been used so far, which others are available and can be used, and how this gap can be filled up. Besides, an examination should be made as to what specific advantages can be derived from different branches of modern technology. Video films, for example, can be a most useful medium for exchange of information and experience.

Use of Modern Technology in Other Performing arts

Contemporary theatre, dance and dance-drama have been stolen a march ahead, using sophisticated lighting design, slide projection, video-clipping, film-based projection and Dolby stereo sound using multi-track music. Their rehearsal process also uses video-recordings to get feedback and improve performance. The study would assess how such applications can also be made in the art of puppetry.

Methodology of the Study

Many areas of modern technology have become familiar in India. Out of those some have been used in performing arts in India, while others waiting in the wings. Many technology areas have been used abroad in performing arts form which lessons can be drawn. Some of these areas are mentioned below which should be examined in details, in relation to their relevance to puppetry:

1. Application of slides and overhead projection system;
2. Application of full motion video;
3. Application of computerised camera and scanners;
4. Application of television with computerised post-production techniques;
5. Application of cable television;
6. Application of super 8mm and 16mm documentary film;
7. Application of animation techniques;
8. Application of digital sound system;
9. Application of modern lighting equipment and computerised control system;
10. Application of computer software for puppet design;
11. Application of compact disk (CD-ROM) and digital video (DVI) for recording as well as comparative study among different regions;
12. Application of remote control and robotics;
13. Application of reprography (micro-film and micro-fiche) for puppet archiving;
14. Application of modern documentation and bibliography techniques;
15. Application of Internet and World Wide Web (www) for global information-exchange;
16. Application of home pages created on Wed-server for promotion and publication on Indian puppetry on international basis.

The proper study can establish the potential of the above technologies – already prevalent in other areas – in puppetry along with full justification and will also indicate cost of equipment, man power and infrastructure in each technology area.

Training Potential for Puppeteers Using Modern technology

There are no puppet training centres as such, let alone puppet theatres, in our country. Self-taught puppeteers, traditional or contemporary can easily be prone to incomplete and inaccurate training. Training through television and video medium, on the contrary, can be very effective and done at home. Especially, video can provide very low-cost training by virtue of its easy replication.

Conclusion

The study will show how Indian puppetry can be developed further by use of modern technology. The more such development takes place, the more it would attract common man who mostly thinks that puppets are only for children. Adults in India, therefore, seldom take interest in puppetry, which has so much, endeared itself abroad in the form of adult puppets. Puppet shows on television can particularly be encouraged to reach remote audiences where live puppet shows are not always feasible. If and when developed, puppetry can lead to a variety of puppet-serials, -- providing entertainment, education and employment to a large number of people. While puppet-videos are available abroad to teach behaviour, food habit and hygiene to children, such videos are most welcome to cater top Indian conditions. These apply to environmental puppetry, too. Children love cartoon films which are drawn in two dimensions; films are three-dimensional puppets can all be very attractive in education and social communication.