Puppets still appeal

Press, 6 December 1979, Page 4

Puppets still appeal

The artistic and creative abilities of children are often stifled at school, according to a former Auckland puppeteer now living in Christchurch. Mrs Elizabeth Graham has been entertaining children with her hand puppets for 12 years and hopes to start a workshop in Christchurch for children to learn puppetry. She is one of a handful of full-time puppeteers, and specialises in children’s parties and club functions. Her shows are mostly original, and she makes her own puppets. The children’s workshop she hopes to establish next year would teach children

everything from making puppets to writing and producing their own shows. Television had not taken children’s interest way from puppets, said Mrs Graham. “Children like to make believe and although they know that the puppets are not real, they pretend to themselves and go along • with the fantasyshe said. “Children have much acting ability, but it is rubbished during their school years, particularly with children between the ages of eight and 13. This talent should be encouraged, not stifled,” Mrs Graham said.

The workshop has been her dream for many years and she is confident that it will be a success. “Christchurch is a very cultural city and the children must be influenced by their surroundings,” she said. She had just returned from a trip to Norway where she saw several shows using Scandinavian folk lore puppets. She hopes to introduce some traditional stories into her programme. Mrs Graham has been in Christchurch for about six weeks and has already arranged several bookings for private shows for the next three months.