This is your brain on puppetry | Mervyn Miller | TEDxCourtauldInstitute

Along with James the puppet boy, Mervyn shows us the mechanics behind the illusion and magic of puppetry, how our brains respond to what we see, and why puppetry is to this day so popular and awe-inspiring.
Mervyn Millar is at the forefront of creative theatre today, pushing the boundaries of the impossible. A renowned puppetry specialist, he has received global recognition for his inventive creations, winning an Arts Foundation Fellowship in 2010. Mervyn is the Creative Associate for the National Theatre’s globally acclaimed War Horse, having been involved in the project since its very beginning. Today, he represents puppetry as a serious art form and technical feat. As Director of Significant Object he is continuing to pioneer with the most incredible stage sets and puppets. His work in theatre and opera includes collaborations with the National Theatre London, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal Court Theatre - to name but a few!
Find out more at www.significantobject.com
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@rameyzamora1018]

Puppetry is like magic - people want to believe, so one has a built in audience. And, come to think of it, it IS magic. Let''s remember too that the stage version of "Equus" used horse puppets. This video has inspired me to continue and expand my own puppeteering. Thank you1

[@sharisimonehampton5434]

Fascinating and extremely interesting. Such a wonderful ability to bring life to a puppet. Yes, this is very much an artform on so many levels. I am pushed now to learn more about mastering this process in order to teach and entertain and create my message through puppets. Thank you so much for sharing. 😉👍❤

[@AuroraAdams]

Very eloquently put - very inspiring..

[@sockpuppety]

I briefly met Mervyn in auditioning for Warhorse. I loved the audition (tho I didn't get the gig!) and this is a wonderful talk. Thank you, Mervyn!
(I gave a talk quite a few years back, on pareidolia - how our brains seek patterns in anything we see, recognition of faces, character, and emotion, which turns into how we embrace life in the inanimate!)