Life dwells in silence: Enter the world of Bunraku puppet theater

Life dwells in silence - Enter the world of Bunraku puppet theater

In the backstreets of Kyoto, at the end of a stone-paved street, lies a small stage that stands quietly. What emerges there is a world in which voiceless puppets speak, cry, and laugh as if they have souls - this is Bunraku, the art of Bunraku puppet theater.

We tend to overlook the "space" and "white space" in our daily lives. Bunraku brings to light the depth of the emotions and stories that reside in such silence through its trinity of art. This performing art, which resonates deeply with the "philosophy of silence" that WABISUKE holds dear, is perhaps worth reexamining once again now.

What is Bunraku?

Bunraku is a uniquely Japanese comprehensive art form in which a narrator (narrator), a shamisen player, and a puppeteer work together to tell a story. It developed in Osaka (present-day Osaka) in the mid-Edo period, and produced many plays, including masterpieces by Chikamatsu Monzaemon.

The tayu recites the lines and narration of all the characters by himself, while the shamisen accompanies the narrator, sometimes leading the emotions and sometimes leaving a lingering impression in silence.The puppeteer then breathes life into the silent puppets, delivering a performance that moves the audience's hearts.

When these three elements come together, Bunraku becomes more than just a puppet show; it becomes a "living story" and creates an "atmosphere" that resonates deeply in the hearts of the audience.

The "life" that resides in dolls

Bunraku puppets are operated by three puppeteers. The main puppeteer is in charge of the face and right hand, the left puppeteer is in charge of the left hand, and the foot puppeteer is in charge of the feet. The three puppeteers work in unison to move the puppet as if it were a single person, allowing the puppet to express an astonishing range of emotions.

For example, the way a doll gently grasps its sleeve, the angle at which it looks down, the trembling of its legs - all of these things convey more than words. The moment a doll's eyes open wide, the movement of tears streaming down its cheeks, or the appearance of it collapsing in despair - these quietly but surely reflect the joy and sorrow, love and conflict that we humans carry within us.

This act of "giving life to a doll" is the culmination of the artisan's skill and heart, and it is an art that is only completed when it resonates with the viewer's imagination.

To the younger generation: The cuteness and depth of Bunraku

When you hear the word "Bunraku," many people may have the impression that it is "difficult" or "for older people." However, in fact, Bunraku has a hidden "cuteness" and "pop" that resonates with younger generations as well.

For example, in the "Shi no Kiri" chapter of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura," a fantastical tale is depicted in which a white fox transforms into a human woman and falls in love. The fox doll, with its soft fur and adorable expression, exudes a presence that makes it seem as if it has jumped out of a picture book.

There are also performances featuring cats, monsters, and demons, giving the show a worldview that is reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films and modern animation. These performances are easy for children and young audiences to enjoy, and will surely be an opportunity for them to discover new charms of Bunraku.

Furthermore, Bunraku stories are woven with universal themes that are relevant to the present day - family ties, romantic conflicts, and social contradictions - which is why they resonate with us across the ages.

The Aesthetics of Silence: The Resonance Between Bunraku and the Tea Ceremony

The Bunraku stage is imbued with the aesthetic of "ma" (intervals). The space between the narrator's words, the lingering sound of the shamisen, the stillness of the puppets - these are also connected to the "stillness of a bowl" in the tea ceremony.

For example, there is a scene in a story where a character is speechless and simply looks down in silence. This scene is filled with unspoken emotions, and the audience listens carefully to this "voice of silence." This is somewhat similar to the time spent listening to the sound of water running in a tea room.

The "beauty of white space" and "richness in silence" that WABISUKE values ​​overlap with the very essence of Bunraku. Rather than using up all the words, emotions arise by letting go of words. Perhaps that is where the true story lies.

Tradition lives on in the present

Bunraku is by no means a relic of the past. Contemporary directors and puppeteers continue to seek new forms of expression while preserving tradition. Bunraku continues to evolve, with collaborations with contemporary theatre, overseas performances, and the training of young performers.

And above all, Bunraku lives on in the hearts of each and every audience member. The lingering impression that remains after watching a performance, the memories of unspoken emotions. These things quietly blend into our lives and are recalled at unexpected moments.

Bunraku teaches us that life lies in silence. If you take the time to stop and listen carefully in the midst of your busy days, a new story is sure to await you.