Masters of puppets
DAINFERN – The drama learners in Grade 9 learned about design and puppet theatre when they created their very own muppets in preparation for their recent exams.
These 20 youngsters are on their way to becoming puppet masters.
The Grade 9s from Dainfern College have been studying puppetry and design as part of their drama curriculum. The 20 learners who chose to study the skill in their creative arts class designed and built their own puppets, which were then used in their practical drama exam in order to showcase what they had learned about puppet theatre.
The drama learners had been looking at the process of design, from research through refining, to get to a final product. They then had to choose a short story within small groups and convert the story into a script, taking time to select interesting and well-rounded characters for each person. The learners were then given templates and materials to construct a basic puppet and were required to finish off the puppet with personal touches to create their unique characters.
These personalised touches included finding creative ways to give the puppet hair, eyes, defining facial features and clothing. In the upcoming midyear exam, the students will use their puppets to showcase their short stories selected earlier in the term.
“The chance to take a step away from the desk and to step into a zone of creativity is exactly what happened in my drama class when the puppetry project was announced,” explained Makanaka Nyengerai, one of the Grade 9s who took on the challenge. “The process of creating my puppet was no sprint and was peppered with obstacles. Uncertainty was the part that bothered me the most throughout this activity. I was in constant doubt whilst creating my puppet, Gerald, because he looked lifeless for the majority of the project.”
The bodies of the puppets were constructed from latex foam and covered in felt. The learners used children’s clothing to give their puppets appropriate outfits, and any additional features were from recycled materials or extra felt.
“Making Gerald has taught me to give myself time to go from lifeless ideas on paper to vibrant products, no matter how hard or abstract it may seem at the beginning.
The project also allowed me to use practical skills that not all classes always give room for like creativity, resourcefulness and collaboration. Without the problems I had creating my puppet, the end result wouldn’t have been as satisfying as it was. A task that I would happily do again,” Makanaka concluded.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/309552/grade-9-learners-are-given-the-tools-to-choose-wisely/
