ELEKTROSHIBAI

Kamishibai is a form of street theatre from Japan. Stories were told with a deck of illustrated paper panels in a miniature theatre, transported by bicycle. It declined with the invention of TV in the 1950s. 

​

Elektroshibai is my version of kamishibai. Found materials informed the entire design/build of this project. A pair of wheels, a suitcase, and wooden slats from a discarded bed frame helped me decide the trailer dimensions. The suitcase determined the maximum size of the theatre. It was an organic process which grew to include a table after my first test performance required something extra to raise the theatre. I wanted the suitcase to work as a carry-all, so I designed the table come apart and fit snugly inside with theatre and story panels. This project combines my interest in artist books, storytelling, and community-based art projects. 

​

​

​

***

2021 

dimensions theatre: 46.5 x 31 x 7.5 cm; table: 51.5 x 32.5 X 39.5 cm
trailer: 106.7 x 91.4 x 35.6 cm; (suitcase: 54 x 37 x 18 cm) 

​

​

​***
This project was supported in part by funding from the Government of Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

​

​