Awaji Puppet Theater Company

The Awaji Puppet Theater Company is designated by the Japanese Government an Intangible Folk Asset and is often referred to as the origin of Bunraku Puppetry, one of the principal currents in a puppet performance tradition that dates back to the sixteenth century in Japan. The program will combine puppet manipulation with dramatic recitation an shamisen musical accompaniment and will include a narrative piece as well as intricate puppet dances from the company’s repertoire.

The seven-city North American tour of Awaji Puppet Theater Company is organized and produced by Japan Society, New York, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan; The Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN program; The Jim Henson Foundation; and Awaji Ningyo Shibai Support Group.