Brooklyn based puppet collective 'We Wiggle Dolls' is proud to present two rare screenings at Stray Cat Film Center to accompany their ongoing puppet cabaret tour!
"The Love Suicides at Sonezaki (or “Sonezaki Shinju”) is possibly the most notable bunraku play by Chikamatsu (often referred to as “the Shakespeare of Japan.”) In 1981, Midori Kurisaki directed what is perhaps the most unique adaptation to date: A cinematic retelling that largely places the traditional puppets and hooded performers outside, in the forest. Surprisingly, she was able to convince the Living National Treasure performers to expose their puppets to the elements, and captured an uniquely uncanny and arresting production.
Nearly impossible to find, We Wiggle Dolls has obtained a copy ripped from DVD, and restored it visually as close to its theatrical release as possible! Limited bootleg VHS will be available for purchase at the screening.
Before the feature, a 16mm copy of an even rarer short documentary will screen! In “Tanya the Puppeteer”, 12-year old aspiring puppeteer travels to and studies at the Soviet era Moscow Puppet Theatre. If you saw the puppet version of Don Juan we screened last year, it’s the same company and many of those puppets appear here!"