Puppets: Dance and Drama of the Orient (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1974 November 13 - 1975 April 20

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in November 13, 1974 and closed April 20, 1975. Located in Section 1A, Floor 1 in Gallery 77 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Puppets: Dance and Drama of the Orient" was an exhibition, drawn from the Museum's collection, that delineated the centuries-old role of shadow theatre and other forms of puppetry in Asian traditional drama.

Summary

"Puppets: Dance and Drama of the Orient" was an exhibition, drawn from the Museum's collection, that delineated the centuries-old role of shadow theatre and other forms of puppetry in Asian traditional drama. The main focus was on more than two hundred two-dimensional figures exemplifying the shadow theatre heritage of India, China and other Asian cultures. Also included were numerous examples of three-dimensional string puppets, masks, scenery, musical instruments and other theatre paraphernalia. These elements were augmented by films of puppet performances. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum presented dance and mask demonstrations. Mrs. Jo Humphrey, a Museum associate demonstrated exact replicas of Chinese shadow figures which she made for the show. The exhibit was planned and prepared by Mrs. Bettie Erda, assistant to Dr. Fairservis, a research associate of Asian Ethnology in the Museum's Department of Anthropology. The exhibit was supported by grants from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts and was on view in Gallery 77 of the American Museum of Natural History from November 13, 1974 through April 20, 1975.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Bettie Erda; AMNH Department of Anthropology (Asian Ethnology).

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, January 21, 1974. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

Kansas City Star, 4/3/74.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Gallery 77.
Location of exhibition.

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