Hi there,
My sister told me about your site. Great stuff, and what a cool idea!
I was wondering if you could help me. For as long as I can remember, there has been ONE thing that I can recall from my childhood that scared the living crap out of me (and it still bothers me to this day when I think about it). I believe it was an act that appeared on the MUPPET SHOW, and it involved some kind of Japanese puppet.
Now, I've already done a little research myself and came across this:
This very well might be what frightened me so much, because it seems to match fairly well with what I can remember…but not quite. I seem to recall the puppet's movements being more jerky and frantic. My sister told me that you often track down the things that scared people so much as kids, and I was wondering if you could help me out. It would be much appreciated! If you need me to provide any more details, please just let me know and I'll do the best I can.
Thanks so much!
Megan D.
AUNT JOHN SEZ: Megan, I am pretty sure you might have provided the answer to your NAME THAT TRAUMA; however, I am by no means well versed in the art of Japanese puppetry. Therefore, I feel it's best to ask our infinitely more knowledgeable readers… what says youse guys?
It's called 'Bunraku', and this is supposed to be based on a Japanese folk tale. However, I have no idea what the folk tale is…
My bredt frind gave me Season One of THE MUPPET SHOW and they had – and Im gonna spell this wrong so feel free to corect me – Mummen-shantz? Now THAT is some freaky **** that probably has no right bein nanywhere NEAR a childrens program.
I know…although as a grownup, it just looks like pretentious performance art.