Detroit Institute of Arts to display Royal Marionettes
Large-scale puppets from days of Vaudeville on view beginning June 29
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) will display some of the best examples of American “Royal Marionettes,” from its Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection from June 29, 2011 to Jan. 1, 2012.
Artists and puppeteers Walter Deaves, Daniel Meader and others followed a tradition of marionette theatre introduced to America by English puppeteers in the 1870s. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these puppets were part of large troupes that performed in music halls and vaudeville theaters around the world in acts that featured strange and surprising characters.
The intricate, large-scale marionettes are wonderful examples of puppetry stage-craft design. They are remarkably well-preserved, with elaborate costumes, and will be shown with stage sets and dramatic lighting.
Artists and puppeteers Walter Deaves, Daniel Meader and others followed a tradition of marionette theatre introduced to America by English puppeteers in the 1870s. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these puppets were part of large troupes that performed in music halls and vaudeville theaters around the world in acts that featured strange and surprising characters.
The intricate, large-scale marionettes are wonderful examples of puppetry stage-craft design. They are remarkably well-preserved, with elaborate costumes, and will be shown with stage sets and dramatic lighting.