Monzaemon, Chikamatsu

This program examines Bunraku, the classical Japanese puppet art, which uses three-quarters life-sized figures handled by black-clothed manipulators who remain in plain view of the audience. These scenes trace Bunraku from the making of the puppets and the way in which their limbs are articulated, to their costuming and reflections on their relationship to kabuki theater. It includes complete performances of works for Bunraku, as well as commentary by the well-known authority on dance and Asian arts, Faubion Bowers.

Born in Osaka some 300 years ago, Japanese puppet theater-Bunraku-is a stunning yet refined spectacle. This program presents the story of Bunraku through two of its greatest masters, puppeteer Tamao Yoshida and chanter Sumitayu Takemoto. Brought together for the last performance of the 20th century, these two "Living National Treasures" transform ancient tales of old Japan into vibrant human drama. Cameras go backstage to capture the immense preparations and grueling, rarely seen rehearsals for their exquisite rendition of the masterpiece Shinju Ten no Amijima.