Puppet show. History of Parsley
Cheerful, cocky, reckless, savvy... It’s hard not to recognize this puppet character: for several centuries, Parsley has aroused almost universal love. He became an unspoken but recognizable symbol of Russian puppet theater, and his name is still used to this day as a common noun, and also as a term describing a whole group of theatrical puppets.
Character Parsley
Petrushka is the leading character of the folk puppet theater, a mass entertainer and a farce hero. The character is provocative, bold and arrogant towards all the characters on stage, often Petrushka challenges the authorities, for example, the gendarme (policeman in Tsarist Russia), and also ridicules characters from both ordinary and upper classes. At the end of eloquent conversational actions he is able to use his baton, a frequent attribute of his performances. With his courage and assertiveness, the character became very fond of the common people who came to the holiday fairs and at the same time watch the performance of the farce theater.
Appearance in the Russian folk theater
No matter who they say, Petrushka was and remains an original Russian puppet character. Let them compare him with the Italian Pulcinella, the French Polichinelle, the English Punch, sorting out all the similar characteristics of the characters - Parsley’s recognition and people’s love for him is not a hindrance.
(Parsley's wedding scene)
Of course, no serious historical research has been carried out on the pedigree of Parsley. The first official description of this doll was given by the famous German scientist-researcher Adam Olearius, who made two long journeys through the mysterious Muscovy in 1633–1634 and 1635–1639.
Presumably, the creators of Petrushka were Russian buffoons - wandering actors who stage street performances. The buffoon subculture existed in Rus' from the 11th to the 18th centuries, later giving way to booths and districts, which continued to preserve the traditions of buffoonery, and then transferred them to puppet theaters.
And it was precisely the 16th century that turned out to be the most difficult for buffoons: they were subjected to severe persecution by state and church authorities. During this period, the highest decrees categorically prohibiting buffoonery were issued twice. In response to pressure from above, live actors in street performances were replaced by puppets, the brightest of which was Petrushka. By the way, all his foreign “colleagues” appeared around the same time.
A collective image loved by the people
(Images of Parsley on the modern stage: 1) visiting worker 2) policeman)
In the image of Petrushka, the features of the national character are harmoniously intertwined. In fact, it is the quintessence of the Russian mentality. Resourceful, sharp-tongued, fearless, helping justice to prevail, bringing good and defeating evil - this is how one can characterize the image of this puppet character.
(Scenes: 3) Russian wife 4) African bride)
Parsley's appearance has undergone several changes over the decades. However, it carried some of its features through the centuries almost unchanged. So, for example, Petrushka remained a riding puppet, and not a puppet - his puppeteer is located below the action unfolding on stage. A long hooked nose, a malicious smile, a high voice, a bright clownish outfit - these attributes have also passed through the centuries.
Over time, the character's character began to change, and in modern puppet theater, from a champion of justice, a successful fighter against evil and a recklessly cheerful joker, Petrushka turns into a bright and charismatic leading entertainer of children's puppet shows.
Today there is not a single person who would find a glove puppet a wonder. In modern ones, almost all the characters in the production are made using this principle: bears and monkeys, cows and people. However, the description of the parsley doll is often vague and incomplete.
Traditional glove puppet
The main distinguishing feature of this type of theatrical characters is the fact that the toy is put on the hand, like a glove. The role of the neck is performed by one hand or paw - a large one. The middle finger has the task of representing the second hand or paw, and the ring and little fingers are simply pressed against the palm.
However, the description of the parsley doll is changed in some productions. Some puppeteers prefer the option when all four limbs of their character “work.”
Parsley, run by several people
There are productions where large characters participate. A trivial description of a parsley doll is not suitable here, because you can no longer put them on your hand. In order to set such a character in motion, it takes not one, but several people. Some people put the doll's head on their hand, while others play the role of hands. And sometimes even a third person takes care of the character’s legs. Indeed, this is no longer the well-known traditional parsley glove puppet.
Although, if you imagine a giant man with huge hands... And his fingers should be the size of the hand of an ordinary person! But anything can happen in fairy tales. Maybe that's why they are also called parsley? Or because, after all, their roots also go back to glove puppets? After reading this description of a parsley doll, which is controlled by several people, one can also conclude: they are made using the same methods as traditional “glove” artists. But the patterns for them need to be enlarged many times.
History of parsley
Dolls worn on the hand appeared in Russia later than in other countries. And the “pioneer” was a farcical character in a cap with a tassel, dressed in a red shirt and wide canvas pants. The amusing man, wit and jester immediately fell in love with the representatives of the people. And the Russian people decided that Petrushka was a real peasant from their own tribe.
But art historians believe that the first to appear were the Frenchman Polichinelle, the Neapolitan Pulcinella, the Englishman Punch, the Turk Karagöz, the Germans Kasperle and Hanswust, the Spaniard Don Cristobal and some others. True, all these characters are similar to our Petrushka only in face, attire and habits. After all, they were controlled using threads. Our Petrushka was not originally a puppet.
But Guignol, who appeared in Lyon at the beginning of the nineteenth century, was closest to him. In terms of manufacturing and management technology, he was the only one suitable as a “brother” to our Petrushka. But the Russian people stubbornly consider this character to come from among our people, not wanting to share this right with anyone else.
Today, all dolls that are placed on the hand are called parsley or glove dolls. Children love to watch performances with their participation. And at home, playing with such a toy that can hug and is so alive and warm to the touch is also very pleasant.
Master class on making a parsley doll
It is very important for a master to receive not only theory, but also practical advice. Therefore, material is published here for those who are interested in knowing how to make a parsley - a doll that is put on the hand.
The next step will be making the head. There are several ways:
- You can use the head from an old toy.
- You can make it from papier-mâché by pasting paper scraps over a template molded from plasticine. An egg shell from which the contents are blown out through a small hole can also be used as a template. The nose, cheeks and other bulges can be molded using plasticine.
- Animal heads crocheted from yarn look beautiful.
- You can sew the head of the future “prima” of a homemade puppet theater from fabric.
- Polymer clay is an excellent material for doll makers.
- For a doll depicting a person, the best option is to make a head made of padding polyester filling.
2. The second step is to sew or knit an outfit for the doll from yarn. Before starting work, you need to make a pattern for the product. To do this, place a palm with spread fingers on the fabric and place marks near the first phalanx of the middle (points A and B), index (C and D) and thumb (D and E) fingers on both sides. The letters near the dots are arranged clockwise.
Then, concave arcs connect points B and C, D and E. From points A and E, lines are drawn down, sometimes with an extension - for a flared style outfit. Symmetrical points near the phalanges are connected by straight lines. This option assumes the presence of “hands” of the character, which are cut in the form of miniature mittens, stuffed with filler and sewn to the outer bells intended for the doll’s hands.
If a robe is cut for an animal, then curved arcs are used instead of straight ones.
The outfit is sewn together by folding the parts right sides inward, then turning them inside out. The head is attached to the middle bell.
The finished parsley doll can be used to play in a theatrical production, or it can simply be used as a toy for children.
Every parent has at least once thought about what they can do with their beloved child on weekends or holidays when school and kindergarten are closed. Of course, you can sit watching TV all day, but it's very boring. In the old days, before the revolution, children in both noble and peasant families loved to organize impromptu theatrical performances. A lucky few had a “magic lantern” at home - a device with which one could view pictures reminiscent of modern filmstrips. But most of all, both rich and poor children loved to put on puppet shows.
On Christmas, Christmastide and other major holidays, the children made dolls with their own hands, set up a “nativity scene” (homemade puppet theater) and went from house to house, delighting the neighbors with their funny performances. And older children They organized such a theater for younger brothers and sisters, and the children’s joy knew no bounds. Now this tradition is being revived, and many parents are happy to make puppets for home performances with their children. The most popular hero of traditional Russian puppet comedy is, of course, Petrushka.
Who is Parsley: the purpose of the doll
Before making a Parsley doll, it is recommended to study the history of this toy, because it is very ancient and interesting. Real theater, where plays with live actors were staged, first appeared in Rus' relatively recently, at the end of the 17th century, under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Before this, both rich and poor residents of Ancient Rus' had fun watching the performances of traveling troupes - buffoons. Buffoons delighted the public with circus acts and performances of trained animals, and also organized a festive booth on fair days - a tent designed to present a puppet theater.
This tradition originally appeared in Europe, the main character of the puppet comedy was Harlequin. In Russia, Harlequin turned into Petrushka (a diminutive and disparaging derivative of the popular male name Peter). Parsley amused the people by telling funny stories. He also sang songs and danced. The appearance of Parsley has practically not changed; this doll is somewhat reminiscent of the Italian Pinocchio, aka Pinocchio. Here are the main features of Parsley:
A funny man may have clown makeup on his face.
Self-production
DIY Parsley toy- it's very simple. When the doll is ready, you can dress it. Experienced needlewomen who specialize in making folk dolls usually often conduct master classes at fairs and in folk art houses. At such master classes, adults and children will learn how to sew a top hat for a doll, how to teach Petrushka to “move” and “talk” and, of course, how to make this interesting doll.
To do this, you will need the simplest available materials: scraps of fabric, paper, stuffing for the body and head, wooden strips and strings (if Parsley is a puppet). In order to independently make a funny doll for home puppet shows, you need:
For decoration, you can use bright buttons that are sewn onto the suit on both sides. The important thing here is to stick to a traditional color scheme. For example, if a clown costume has green and red halves, red buttons are glued to the green half and vice versa. Petrushka's clothes should look funny and absurd, because the main purpose of this doll is to entertain the viewer, distracting him from life's problems.
Games with a doll for children
The Parsley doll, made with your own hands at home or at a master class, is a wonderful gift for preschool and primary school children. Children can simply play with her, they can show each other puppet shows, or they can make a drawing of Parsley the doll. This toy is very bright, so you can come up with a lot of interesting activities with it. So, Parsley is always a welcome guest in kindergarten, as well as in development centers for young children. The cheerful clown will help:
- It is interesting to conduct a music lesson.
- In a playful way, tell children about serious things (hygiene rules, traffic rules, good manners).
- “Revive” a long-familiar story or fairy tale.
- Congratulate children on the holiday and take part in the distribution of gifts.
At home you can come up with any games with Parsley, it all depends on the imagination of children and parents. But the most interesting thing, of course, is to organize a home puppet show. At first, you can act out the simplest scenes with the participation of one clown, and over time other heroes will probably appear in the theater. For example, using the same principle as Petrushka, an experienced needlewoman can easily make heroes from her favorite children’s fairy tales “Turnip”, “Kolobok”, “Teremok”. But in order for the puppet to obey its owner well, you will have to practice a little, since controlling such dolls is not very easy.
Attention, TODAY only!
The ProDetki editors love to visit cultural places and discover new heroes and characters. For example, we became interested in the hero Petrushka in the puppet world.
The Petrushka Theater is a unique performance whose history goes back to the 17th century. At first it was a popular entertainment for ordinary people, and then it gained popularity among high society.
Doll Parsley
Parsley is a printed doll dressed in pants and a red shirt; the distinctive features of this character were: a pointed cap and a huge red nose.
History of the Petrushka Theater
The Petrushka Theater is one of the oldest entertainments in Rus', which has survived to this day and has not lost its relevance. . Many perceive it as a folk creation, but in reality its prototypes Russian folk theater Petrushka has in many countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Türkiye.
The first appearance of the Petrushka Theater in Rus' was recorded back in the 17th century, but it gained its main popularity only in the 19th century. Despite the fact that there were several types of puppet theater in Rus', Petrushka's performances were the most popular.
Character Parsley
It is not surprising that Petrushka is the main character of the puppet theater, which is named after him. Let's take a closer look at what it is. As you can see from the history of the creation of the theater, it came to Russian lands from other countries, therefore Russian Petrushka collected in his appearance many distinctive features of different nationalities . For example, his head and arms were incredibly large, and his eyes were almond-shaped, his skin color was dark, and his nose had a large hump. Thanks to all this, he was very similar to his Italian prototype - Pulcinella.
Parsley Although he put his main character at the head of the presentation, he did not limit himself to this. For example, Petrushka’s constant partner in the plot was a bear, with whom he acted out the main scenes .
Russian theater Petrushka and its plots
The plots of theatrical performances were always based on banal and philistine themes of that time: soldier's service, treatment, acquisition of a horse and its testing, as well as Petrushka's dating and wedding.
All scenes had their own order and were shown strictly one after another:
— The first scene was always based on Petrushka’s purchase of a horse. He bargained with a gypsy salesman who did not want to give in, then Petrushka got tired of it, for which he hit the merchant. This was the end of the first performance.
— The second scene was a demonstration of how Petrushka climbs onto a horse, but it does not want to obey him and throws off the main character, and then leaves after the gypsy.
— In the third scene, as at the beginning of the performance, Petrushka is not distinguished by a calm disposition, and, having visited the doctor, beats him because the doctor finds many ailments in the main character.
— The last scene is also not complete without fights. When the policeman appears to find out why Petrushka killed the doctor, the main character, without thinking twice, does the same with the policeman. But justice is personified by the dog, which barks and growls at the main character, and then, not succumbing to any cajoling and begging of Petrushka, who grabbed him by the nose, drags him away from the impromptu stage.
This is where the show ends. It is interesting that the duration of the performance depends on how interesting the scenes are played out, because it lasts as long as there are spectators on the street who deign to pay attention to it.
Russian folk theater Petrushka is not limited to just four main scenes in its performance . When there are a lot of onlookers on the streets and the audience is ready to watch as much as they want - to watch a puppet theater, the story continues with other interesting plots. One of them is “Parsley’s Wedding”. The script for this performance was so rude and frivolous that parents did not allow their children to watch such a scene.
In all performances, Petrushka acted as a rogue, a swindler and a rude man. Nand his facewas depicteddeven not a sweet smile, as many may think, but a rude grin.
Street theater Petrushka
Traditional Petrushka - puppet theater one actor, the scene of which was always street fairs and shopping areas . The very first performances were shown without a screen, since the only actor-puppeteer simply wore a special skirt with a hoop on his belt. By lifting this ring, the puppeteer disappeared from the view of the audience, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the performance. At the same time, he could calmly move and work with both hands to control two characters at once.
Already at the beginning of the 19th century, such a costume for an actor was replaced by a screen , a prototype of the one in use today. It was installed directly on the ground, hiding the puppeteer and all his props.
Only men were puppeteers, but in order to give their voices additional squeakiness, a specialized squeak was used. It was inserted directly into the larynx. This gave the puppeteer the opportunity to speak louder.
Contemporary Petrushka Theater
Thanks to many artists who make every effort to preserve the traditions of puppet theater, we have the opportunity to enjoy interesting performances today. Nowadays, of course, these are not only nomadic fair performances, but also street puppeteers.
Most often, Petrushka’s performances can be seen in children’s puppet theaters, for example, “Firebird”, “Albatross”, “Fairytale” and many others.
The Petrushka People's Theater at the moment is an opportunity to introduce children and adults to history, as well as to instill in the younger generation a love and interest in literature.
