Element 3: Construction of “shadow puppets” and other devices for the shadow theatre and music

The shadows can be made

Either by manipulating figurines, cut shapes, different materials (string, wire, liquid, …) directly positioned on the overhead projector’s illumination screen;

either by manipulating puppets with shadows or by being shadows in the space between the cloth screen and the overhead projector.

The game can be interactive between shadow manipulators on the overhead projector and body shadows.

The light of the overhead projector is sufficient in both cases, it is not necessary to use a projector. However, it is also possible to use pocket lamps if it is desired to produce more localized and moving lighting effects.

Manufacture and introduction of dragonflies

Equipment
Snips and pliers
Tarlatane (stiff cotton fabric with a visible weft)
Rigid and flexible wire
Sewing needles and thread

How to make a shadow / fish?

Equipment
Wires, pliers, tarlatan, tape

Shadow /fish manipulated near the screen

The river seen from the sky

Material
Several metres of transparent acetate sheets, taped crinkled florist plastic film, paper tape. Acetate sheets blackened with ink, cut and scraped as wished

Preparation for scratching

Material
Transparent acetate sheets, Chinese ink, brush, hair dryer

Fish scraped and cut

Material
Inked acetate sheets, nail scissors, metal rod

Fish manipulated in the river via the overhead projector

Scraped frogs

Material
Gels for overhead projectors, cut and hung on wires

Colour variation and verbal expression

Different colours indicate changes of musical mode.

Mobile to manipulate the shadows and musical improvisation guided by an English horn

Material
Confetti gels cut in the shape of flower petals, felt for plastic surfaces

Material
2 sheets of acetate, clear dishwashing liquid, coloured ink, brush

Preparing the wave

An undulating wave on a musical piece for flute and guitar