The puppet who is us...

This weekend I was lucky to see this heartfelt dance performance that portrays some of the essential strivings we have as humans beings to find connection with one another. The dance is centered around a young sensitive puppet boy of artistic inclination who at times is so bedazzled by the world and its complex beauty he fears to venture forth and touch life and be part of it. The dancers transmit their energy,emotions and gestures through the puppet and the puppet through them in turn. At times it is unclear if the movement or emotion is generated by puppet,dancer or from us ,we who observe,yet contain every human aspect that is portrayed, The piece reminded me of the words of the poet ,



I Am Much Too Alone in This World, Yet Not Alone
by Rainer Maria Rilke
translated by Annemarie S. Kidder

I am much too alone in this world, yet not alone
enough
to truly consecrate the hour.
I am much too small in this world, yet not small
enough
to be to you just object and thing,
dark and smart.
I want my free will and want it accompanying
the path which leads to action;
and want during times that beg questions,
where something is up,
to be among those in the know,
or else be alone.

I want to mirror your image to its fullest perfection,
never be blind or too old
to uphold your weighty wavering reflection.
I want to unfold.
Nowhere I wish to stay crooked, bent;
for there I would be dishonest, untrue.
I want my conscience to be
true before you;
want to describe myself like a picture I observed
for a long time, one close up,
like a new word I learned and embraced,
like the everday jug,
like my mother's face,
like a ship that carried me along
through the deadliest storm.