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Welcome to Thistle Theatre

 

 Thistle Theatre specializes in a tabletop style of Japanese puppetry called Bunraku. Puppeteers, dressed in black, operate the handcrafted puppets from behind for realistic movement. Thistle Theatre serves as a training ground for puppeteers/actors, designers, puppet builders, songwriters and playwrights. The puppets, props and scenery are designed and created by Thistle Theatre artists. Our productions are carefully crafted to have layers of action and language to please audiences of all ages.

 

We sincerely thank our generous donors for their support.

 

On behalf of the Thistle Theatre Board, artists and puppeteers, we look forward to seeing you at a magical season of puppet theatre.

 

 

 

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of our founder and artistic director Jean Enticknap. The Thistle Theatre board, performers, supporters, and family are working on the next phase of the theatre so stay tuned for future announcements.

The mission will live on, so please check back, or contact us.

Bunraku

Bunraku (文楽), also known as Ningyō jōruri (人形浄瑠璃), is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, founded in Osaka at the beginning of 17th century. Three kinds of performers take part in a bunraku performance: the Ningyōtsukai or Ningyōzukai (puppeteers), the Tayū (chanters), and shamisen musicians. Thistle Theatre specializes in Tabletop Bunraku. Puppeteers, dressed in black, operate the handcrafted puppets from behind for realistic movement.

Here you can see our puppeteers rehearsing.

Bunraku

Bunraku (文楽), also known as Ningyō jōruri (人形浄瑠璃), is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, founded in Osaka at the beginning of 17th century. Three kinds of performers take part in a bunraku performance: the Ningyōtsukai or Ningyōzukai (puppeteers), the Tayū (chanters), and shamisen musicians. Thistle Theatre specializes in Tabletop Bunraku. Puppeteers, dressed in black, operate the handcrafted puppets from behind for realistic movement.

Here you can see our puppeteers rehearsing.