What is table-top puppetry?

Table-top puppetry is exactly what it sounds like: puppetry performed on top of a table. Predominantly these puppets are rod puppets, mainly because rods are the simplest and easiest method of operation for manipulation. They are also usually synonymous with a bastardised version of bunraku; a sort of bunraku for Westerners if you will.

(Why are they a bastardised version? Because they often include similar positioning for attachment of rods; at the elbows, back of feet, back of body and back of head) Despite the name, table-top puppets generally don’t refer to things like muppet-type puppets, glove puppets, sock or finger puppets. It can sometimes include toy theatre, although personally I believe that is a completely different genre altogether.

The cat table-top puppet shown here is made out of foam, and has vertical rods attached in order to operate it from above the table. The same method of operation is used for the fish.

Like most rod puppets, there’s no real set methodology, style or look of the puppets. They can be anything from aliens to humans to abstract items. Because they are used in combination with a table or bench, it is usual for these puppets to be small in height, usually an average of 30 cm (11.8 inches). This particular style is best suited to inside performances in small venues; the larger the puppet the harder it is to operate on a table top, but the smaller the puppet, the harder it is to see in a large theatre. As such, most touring shows using table-top puppets create a set design that is easy to pack up and take down, as well as puppets that are easy to store and transport.

They can also be used with light curtain or blacklight.

A good example of table-top puppetry is the cat and fish puppet from my company’s show Sticky Ballerina Legs (video of the show can be found at the bottom of the post). Although it’s not shown here, the cat and fish are operated by rods (in the case of the cat, a rod in the back of the head; the fish has a rod on each fin). But they do work on a ‘table’, of which you can see the reflection of at the bottom of the photo. This show has a good sturdy table - actually it’s two benches, made out of an aluminium frame and plastic joints, with an MDF (wood) piece that slots on top. It not only pulls apart in a matter of minutes, but fits in your average car trunk. Plus, with the addition of shelves and a black curtain around the front, it also doubles as onstage storage space. We combined our table-top puppets with a light curtain; we had lots of different puppets, from rod, glove and even used origami!

An excellent example of table-top puppetry, that also shows how it doubles as a Westernised bunraku, is Australian company Black Hole’s Caravan. (Link sends you to BH’s gallery) Note how the rods in the photos are placed; also note how Black Hole uses sets and props, whilst my show uses only the puppets themselves and allows the audience to imagine the setting. As you can see from the examples, table-top puppetry can be quite diverse in style, dimensions, and storylines. This particular genre of puppetry is excellent for beginners (from kids to adults) and professionals; building is easy and it also makes for a good start on learning the basics of performance.

Here’s a tutorial on making a kid-friendly table-top puppet, using recycled materials. Or you can make the puppet shown in the title image (the robot) here. [links to be added]