March 5, 2020
by Tara Brandman –
RResidents of ivertowns can often wander the streets of the villages wondering what worlds exist within the doors and windows of the many artists’ studios. One such studio that the lucky wanderer may come across is that of Bruce Robbins, a puppeteer from Dobbs Ferry.
The fantastical display in Robbins’ window hints at the enchantment within. The visitor who enters is introduced to the magical world that Robbins has created – a veritable wonderland inhabited by puppets from the realms of the political, the grotesque and the magical. We would absolutely not be surprised to see Titania, Oberon or Puck come out from behind the curtain to guide the fairy puppets out of their shelves.
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Aspiring puppeteers, aspiring artists and curious experimenters are all welcome to attend “Party with Puppets” workshops with Robbins. While attendees will learn some trade secrets, they are also encouraged to bring wine if they wish. Robbins provides cheese and crackers. Thus, his workshops are equal parts puppets and festivities – an evening and an art lesson.
The two-hour workshop begins with the choice of a puppet: all are simple and bright hand puppets. After the puppets are selected, Robbins instructs the contestants on how to manipulate the puppets to allow these noseless, mouthless creatures to seemingly transform into sentient beings. Robbins further encourages students to bond with the puppets by adding costumes, which include impossibly perfect puppet-sized hats and warm, lush fabrics fit for a princess, or perhaps a thief if we prefer.
Once the students have more or less mastered the basics of puppet movement, Robbins asks them to perform simple scenes in front of the camera – yes, he erected a puppet-sized stage in his studio. And somehow, watching the performances, one becomes convinced that these hand puppets experience loneliness, joy, terror and confusion. Robbins marvels at this illogical leap of human imagination.
“I continue to be charmed by the fact that we know the inanimate object is manipulated by a human, but we can somehow feel moved by the emotions brought to life by the puppeteer,” he said. “In other words, how did that sock make me cry or laugh? It’s a magical moment when that happens!
Robbins has described his love of puppetry as an art form that “allows me to combine my passion for the visual and theatrical arts. I love that it lets imagination and creative exploration run wild while focusing on and discovering ways to communicate and share ideas with others.
Robbins applauds his students’ efforts and manages to see the artist in anyone, believing that anyone can be touched by the puppet muse.
In addition to the “Party with puppets” workshops for adults, it also offers workshops for children and families.
Robbins’ studio is at 50 Main Street in Dobbs Ferry. Visit his website at www.bcrobbins.com for more information about him, his puppets and his workshops.
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