Figure it out

Twenty years ago, Noriyuki Sawa moved to Prague, Czech Republic from Japan, where he was a teacher. Having learned the traditional puppetry style in his country, he studied the European form in Prague.

Noriyuki Sawa's handmade puppets made from wood and papier-mache

"Today, I have created a mixed form, a sort of convergence of Japanese and European styles," says Sawa, adding that Japan's Bunraku style of puppetry keeps the manipulator behind the stage, only showing his/ her presence through shadows. "While in the European style, the puppeteer acts on stage and takes part in the performance," explains Sawa.

u00a0Puppeteer Noriyuki Sawa (right) performs on stage

Tomorrow's one-hour performance is based on the theme of forest and Japanese legends and is divided into five to six pieces.u00a0Interestingly, Sawa has hand made the puppets with the help of his wife. "We used wood, papier-mâché and various fabrics. Puppeteering just happened to me. I create performances for adults as well as children. My style is quite brutal," laughs Sawa.

On: December 17, 5.30 pm
At: KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and Research Auditiorium, 4th floor, Vidyavihar (East)
Entry: Freeu00a0