Marionette Develops Stage Fright, Puppeteer Unsure How to Proceed

Veteran marionettist Clara Strand has canceled three consecutive performances of her touring show 'The Waltz of the Wooden King' after her lead marionette, a hand-carved basswood figure named Prince Aldric, began exhibiting what she describes as 'unmistakable symptoms of performance anxiety.' 'He goes limp the moment the curtain opens,' Strand told reporters from the wings of the Bellmore Community Theater. 'I work the control bar, I articulate the strings — everything is technically correct. But he just hangs there. Dead weight. It's like he's choosing not to perform.' Strand, who has been operating marionettes professionally for twenty-three years, insists the problem is not mechanical. 'I've checked every string, every screw eye, every joint. The engineering is sound. This is psychological.' The issue reportedly began after a poorly received matinee in Hartford, during which an audience member in the front row said, audibly, 'You can see the strings.' Strand reports that Prince Aldric 'has not been the same since.' 'He used to have presence,' Strand said, cradling the 60-centimeter figure. 'A dignity. Now he just dangles. I've tried warming him up backstage, running through his solo, playing his entrance music. Nothing. He won't commit to the character.' Strand has consulted a puppet therapist — a specialty she was surprised to learn exists — who suggested 'creating a safe rehearsal space free from audience judgment.' A closed-door run-through was attempted, during which Prince Aldric performed adequately, though Strand noted his movements lacked 'the fire they used to have.' The remaining tour dates have been postponed. Strand's understudy marionette, a figure named Duke Bramwell, has been promoted to the lead role. 'Bramwell is competent,' Strand conceded, 'but he doesn't have Aldric's range.'