Melvyn Helstien papers, 1939-1987 LSC.0258
S. Grabler, 1993 and Lilace Hatayama, 2012. Additions processed by Kelly Besser with assistance from Kamarin Takahara, 2014.
Additional processing by Jade Finlinson, 2017. Final processing of additions by Samantha Blanco, 2018.
UCLA Library Special Collections
2018 August 1
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Melvyn B. Helstien papers
Creator:
Helstien, Melvyn B.
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.0258
Physical Description:
16.8 Linear Feet
(14 cartons, 2 shoe boxes, 2 oversize flat boxes, and 1 flat box)
Date (inclusive): 1939-1987
Abstract: Melvyn B. Helstien received his PhD in theater from the University of Minnesota in 1962. He became a UCLA professor in the
Department of Theater Arts in 1963, served as department vice-chair from 1971-1973 and again from 1981-1985. He retired as
UCLA Professor Emeritus in 1986 and served as President of the national branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA-USA)
from 1986-1987. The collection consists of research files, correspondence, production books, performance notes, photographs,
videotapes, audiotapes, audiocassettes, slides, sketches, puppets, and musical scores documenting Melvyn Helstien's career
as a professor, researcher, and world-renowned puppeteer. The collection also includes records of his work with the UNIMA,
the Puppeteers of America, and the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Conditions Governing Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE: Open for research. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance
using the request button located on this page.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
Property rights to the physical objects belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Melvyn B. Helstien papers (Collection 258). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research
Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
Jacqueline Des Lauriers; Gift; 1994, 2002.
Processing Information
Processed by S. Grabler, 1993 and Lilace Hatayama, 2012. Additions processed by Kelly Besser with assistance from Kamarin
Takahara, 2014. Additional processing by Jade Finlinson, 2017. Final processing of additions by Samantha Blanco, 2018.
UCLA Catalog Record ID
Biography
Melvyn Biron Helstien was born on February 2, 1920 in Denver, Colorado. In 1947, Helstien earned his Bachelor of Arts from
the University of Washington. He then obtained his Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama in 1948. In 1962, he
received his PhD in theater from the University of Minnesota. On February 28, 1963, UCLA hired Helstien as a professor in
the Department of Theater Arts. He served as department vice-chair from 1971-1973 and again from 1981-1985. Helstien was also
active in the development of the UCLA Museum of Cultural History, established by Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy in 1963 as
the Museum and Laboratories of Ethnic Arts and Technology. In 1971 the museum name was changed to the Museum of Cultural History,
and today it exists as the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Helstien worked with Patricia Altman to increase the museum's puppet holdings
in preparation for their 1976 exhibit,
Asian Puppets: Wall of the World. Helstien also directed, produced, designed, and performed dozens of UCLA theatrical productions. He retired as UCLA Professor
Emeritus in 1986 and served as President of the national branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA-USA) from
1986-1987. Helstien's extensive research, education, and exhibition work in South and Southeast Asian puppet genres in the
1960s had a deep impact on developing the study of Asian puppet forms in the United States, and led to his international recognition
as a puppetry expert. Melvyn Helstien died in Los Angeles at the age of 70 on March 6, 1990, after suffering a stroke.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of research files, correspondence, production books, performance notes, photographs, videotapes, audiotapes,
slides, sketches, puppets, and musical scores documenting Melvyn B. Helstien's career as a UCLA professor of theater arts,
researcher, and world-renowned puppeteer. The collection also includes records of his work with the Union Internationale de
la Marionnette (UNIMA), the Puppeteers of America, the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry, and his research and exhibition material
on the puppet traditions of India and Southeast Asia.
Organization and Arrangement
Materials are arranged by file type and format within the following series:
- Series 1: Research files
- Series 2: Production books
- Series 3: Photographs and sketches
- Series 4: Audiovisual materials
- Series 5: Muiscal scores
- Series 6: Puppets, scrapbooks, and scrolls
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
COLLECTION CONTAINS AUDIO AND AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audio and audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment
and possible digitization for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using
the request button located on this page.
Related Material
Melvyn Helstein papers Available at the Fowler Museum of Cultural History, Kitnick-Alexander Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Puppeteers -- California -- Los Angeles -- Archives.
Helstien, Melvyn B. -- Archives
Union Internationale des Marionnettes.
box 15, folder 20, boxes 3, 8
Articles
Scope and Content
Box 3: Materials include some correspondence.
Box 8: Three folders of folklore and folk art articles. Materials include artifacts.
Box 15: Photocopy of an article, "Indo-Asian Shadow Figures" from
Arts of Asia magazine.
box 3
Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry
1957-1967
boxes 1, 3
Clippings
Scope and Content
Box 1: Materials include clippings and flyers for the 1986 performance
'Tis of Aucassin et Nicolette.
box 15, folder 3, 10, boxes 1, 6, 10
Correspondence
1963-1990
Scope and Content
Box 1: Correspondence includes Helstien's documentation for tenure (1973-1980).
Box 6: Letters with Jim Hatch, sabbatical correspondence, personal and departmental correspondence.
Box 10: Two letters from Edward Gordon Craig to Helen Haiman Joseph and one letter to Melvyn Helstien from Helen Haiman Joseph.
Box 15: Six typed letters to Helstien from colleagues and former students. Almost all the letters are work related and some
have handwritten notes on them (1988-1989).
Box 15: Typed and handwritten notes and printouts include one letter from Judy Mitoma, the Chairperson of World Arts and Cultures
program at UCLA to Helstien. Several printouts include puppet names and prices. (1987, 1989).
box 6
Puppet Institute UCLA subject files (Puppet Theater, Marco Polo)
1958
boxes 8-9
M. Helstien bio-bibliography files
undated, 1970-1973
box 9
Bio-bibliography notebook
box 12, box 12, folder 1-2
VMA
1957, 1967-1968
Scope and Content
Typed card index file which includes bibliographic references to photographic slides about the puppets and other materials.
box 13, folder 1
Notebook number 1
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten notes in a small notebook with pink, purple, white and blue spiral pattern on the cover includes addresses; information
about puppets; seminars; stories; theatrical play fragment of a script; Sanskrit terminology, and sketches.
box 13, folder 2
Notebook number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
A small notebook with pink background and small white flowers includes handwritten notes and sketches of puppet shows; detailed
sketches of the puppet theater stage layout; and 20 pages of loose leaves from another notebook with the names of puppets
and terminologies.
box 13, folder 3
Notebook number 3
undated
Scope and Contents
A small orange and white color notebook, titled
Developing List, which includes handwritten lists of the villages, iconography, plays, and sketches of the puppets identified with their
names and their meanings. A list of the plays is titled
Karnataka.
box 13, folder 4
Notebook number 4
undated
Scope and Contents
One orange and white notebook with four loose leaves, titled
Film. The notebook's inscription reads, "Return to Prof. M. Helstien, REWARD WILL BE PAID." The notebook contains a list of films,
a sketch of a flower, and summaries of movie plots.
box 13, folder 5
Notebook number 5
undated
Scope and Contents
One small notebook with floral pattern on the cover, titled
Questions. A note attached to the front cover reads, "I Kannada questions" and contains a series of practical questions written in
English with Roman transliteration of Hindi and vernacular scripts.
box 13, folder 6
Notebook number 6
undated
Scope and Contents
One small notebook with pink and white floral patterns, titled
Tape-vocabulary. Notebook includes handwritten tape vocabulary and questions for puppeteers with the Romanized version of the questions,
such as "What is your name?" and "Does your name have a meaning?"
box 13, folder 7
Notebook number 7
undated
Scope and Contents
One small notebook with green, black, white and pink spiral patterns, titled
Cinema. It includes typed and handwritten notes regarding movie titles; brief scene descriptions; shot schedules; a list with information
about the date, roll, shot and unit; and three loose typed pages of shot sequences with handwritten collections, titled
The Leather Puppet Play of Karnataka: A Film Script.
box 13, folder 8
Notebook number 8
1977
Scope and Contents
One small yellow notebook picturing Pinocchio and Mickey on the cover, with notes about differences in languages. It also
includes a detailed script of a puppet show and a bulk of loose leaves titled
The Indian Theatre by Chandra Bhan Gupta.
box 13, folder 9
Notebook number 9
1977
Scope and Contents
General notebook titled
Notes 1 that includes notes about symbols; general notes; phrases; lists of questions to Nanjundan Rao; interpretation of symbols;
description of a village called Kittur, and sketches of objects symbolizing different entities, including Vishnu.
box 13, folder 10
Notebook number 10
1977
Scope and Contents
A notebook, titled
Notes 2 that includes handwritten notes and sketches about Indian puppet shows. A note on the cover reads, "RETURN TO M. HELSTIEN-49
Cunningham Rd. Bangalore, 52- REWARD WILL BE PAID." An additional yellow loose leaf bears the title
Questions on Kichika Vadha.
box 13, folder 11
Notebook number 11
1977
Scope and Contents
One small pink notebook that includes handwritten Indian language vocabulary and phrases.
box 13, folder 12
Notebook number 12
1981
Scope and Contents
One small green notebook of sketches and handwritten notes concerning songs and their meanings according to different people;
summaries of interviews with date, time and length of the interview; list of names from a legend or epic story; a script for
a puppet show; and daily record of meetings with artists.
box 13, folder 13
Notebook number 13
1977-1978
Scope and Contents
A burgundy notebook titled
Any-Year Diary, which includes notes and anecdotes about meetings with artists; meeting schedules; reminder notes; thoughts on symbols and
symbolism, and two small sketches on the last page.
box 13, folder 14
Notebook number 14
1973-1974
Scope and Contents
The notebook includes personal information, a daily diary, and a tourism advertisement with maps for Mangalore. The diary
portion contains personal information; addresses and phone numbers; appointment and reminder notes; remarks on puppet shows;
thoughts about artists, and daily events related to theatrical performances.
box 13, folder 15
Notebook number 15
1982
Scope and Contents
One small brown notebook includes description of the puppets in different museums and repositories; a daily diary of visits
to several places that collect puppets; mentions of film rolls, and two small pieces of loose paper.
box 13, folder 16
Notes number 1
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten notes in ink detached from a notebook include a list of words or names, questions in a vernacular language and
exercises in language learning.
box 13, folder 17
Notes number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten notes on loose leaves include questions and answers about the leather puppet called Togalu Bombey. An inscription
on the top of one page reads "Good bye to Hogi Baruttene."
box 13, folder 18
Notes number 3
1985
Scope and Contents
Typed and handwritten notes include excerpts from a typed paper with inscriptions; a list of instructions to create a bibliography;
self-reminders; vocabulary; list of tasks to be performed; two pages of diagrams, and a typed memo on green paper.
box 13, folder 22
Thesis by Jonathan R. GoldbergBelle
1984
Scope and Contents
A typed copy of a thesis for M.A. degree in South Asian Studies is titled
The Performance Poetics of Tolubommalata: a South Indian Shadow Puppet Tradition.
box 13, folder 23
Journal, articles and letter
1974-1975, undated
Scope and Contents
Materials include one copy of
Oriental Art, along with other articles. Letters include a handwritten note on yellow paper, a letter from K. R. Paramahamsa to Helstien,
and a typed letter on yellow paper from Helstien to K. R. Paramahamsa.
box 13, folder 24
Folklore and Mythology
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten cards and photocopied pages of a book include two small cards with drawings of symbols and patterns for clothes
and jewelry pieces, presumably worn by the actors. There are also drawings of different styles of mustaches, eyes, beards,
and noses, along with four pages from a book titled
Industrial Arts of India, and a full page of symbols titled
Sectarial Marks.
box 13, folder 25
Asian Puppets: Wall of the World exhibit
1976
Scope and Contents
Materials include brochures, photos, articles, ephemera, and letters relating to the exhibition titled "Asian Puppets: Wall
of the World" held at the UCLA Museum of Cultural History (now the Fowler Museum). Items include an invitation for the preview
reception for the exhibition; black and white photographs of the exhibition galleries and the shadow puppets on display, and
photocopies of articles about the exhibition. Also included is a congratulatory letter to Helstien from Charles Speroni, Dean
of College of Fine Arts; a thank you note from the Director of the Clark Library, and a thank you note from Frank Kamer, Chairman
of the Gallery Guides.
box 14
Ramayana
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed index cards with handwritten notes on them contained in a small box labeled
Ramayana. The cards may reference slides or photographs.
box 14
Index cards with a numbered list
undated
Scope and Contents
Lists of shadow puppet names are handwritten and numbered on five index cards. The list possibly refers to a group of slides
or pictures.
box 15, folder 1
Typed index cards
1974, undated
Scope and Contents
Eighteen typed index cards include citations from
The Vishnudharmottaram by Stella Kramrisch, an interview-performance on
Shri Hombaiah and Party, and information about the puppets and their characters as heroes and gods.
box 15, folder 2
KPFA Radio interview
1982 August 9
Scope and Contents
An interview by Buster Gonzales with Larry Reed, director of
Shadow Master, a film in the Valley Film Festival.
box 15, folder 4
Notes
1989 May 25, undated
Scope and Contents
Folder contains typed and handwritten notes, which may be lists of puppets and their origins.
box 13, folder 21
Moscow and Helsinki
1986
Scope and Contents
Color Polaroid photos of Helstien's visit to Moscow and Helsinki include images of churches and people.
box 15, folder 5
Printouts with handwritten notes
1989 April 26
Scope and Contents
Printouts include lists of puppets with physical locations, origin, storage facility information, and identification numbers.
box 15, folder 6
Center for Puppetry Arts
1978, 1989-1990
Scope and Contents
Correspondence and notes regarding proposal for a project and revisions of the proposal.
box 15, folder 7
Slides key
undated
Scope and Contents
A typed numerical list of slides with a handwritten note.
box 15, folder 8
Translated questions
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten questions in English and original script. All questions refer to puppeteers, puppets, and how to create puppets.
box 15, folder 9
Printout Puppet IDs
1988
Scope and Contents
Printouts of the puppet IDs, along with two color photographs of three European puppeteers with their puppets.
box 15, folder 11-14
Sri Ranganatha Ramayana
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed loose pages featuring stories from the Ramayana.
box 15, folder 15
March of Enterprise
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed segments of the Ramayana.
box 15, folder 16
Moving Parts: Images of the African Diaspora exhibition
1992-1993
Scope and Contents
Materials include a letter about the exhibition to Jacqueline Des Lauriers and a photocopy of the exhibition's handout, titled
"Moving Parts: Puppet Images of the African Diaspora; unraveling the mysteries of puppet traditions, their myths, social issues
and stereotypes."
box 15, folder 17
Curvilinear
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed and handwritten lists of photographic slides with handwritten corrections and additions, along with two drawings of
shadow puppets, labeled "Kausalya carrying Rama" and "Kausalya sending Rama out to play."
box 15, folder 18
Nikumbali Yaga
1977
Scope and Contents
The manuscript includes some comments in handwriting about a field-recorded performance of
Nikumbhila Yaga by Sri Muniswamy Rao and party, September 10, 1977. It was translated from Telugu from a tape recording by S. Satyendra and
Jacqueline Henney.
box 15, folder 19
Bangalore
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed, loose leaf manuscript featuring an introduction noting that the sheets should serve as hints for excursions to people
living in Bangalore. It also contains a sketch of places of interest and the main roads leading out of Bangalore.
box 16, folder 36
A ledger for puppet shows
1977
Scope and Contents
A handwritten notebook with a red and green cover. The pages are divided into columns and include information about the character
or informant, home-village, date, and place where the puppet shows originated or were presented.
box 16, folder 37
Puppet plays and drawings of puppets
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed puppet plays and photocopies of drawings of puppets divided in parts so that the user can cut, assemble and use them
for plays.
box 16, folder 38
Sri Ranganath Ramayana
undated
Scope and Contents
A typed manuscript that includes stories from Ramayana adapted for puppet shows. The author is Gona Buddha Reddi and the translator
is Guru C.R. Acharya.
box 5
The Mystery of the Passion
Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA)
1957-1987
box 5
UNIMA correspondence
1976-1982
box 5
Newsletters UNIMA
1966-1972
box 5
UNIMA Board of Trustees
1982-1983
box 5
UNIMA notes and minutes
1975-1983
box 5
UNIMA information file
1981-1984
box 5
UNIMA US correspondence
1981-1986
box 5
Puppeteers of America
1979-1981
box 15, folder 23
The Language of the Puppet
1990
Scope and Contents
This book is published by Pacific Puppetry Center Press which is a unit of Tears of Joy Theatre. The editors of this book
are Laurence R. Kominz and Mark Levenson. The book contains five parts: Part one; From nursery to Altar, Part two; Between
illusion and reality, Part three; Japanese puppetry: Bunraku and beyond, Part four; The Folk Art puppet today and Part five;
Directors on directing.
box 15, folder 24
The World of the Wayang
1990
Scope and Contents
Published catalogue of puppets in Indonesia. This catalogue is entitled, "The world of the Wayang: puppetry of Indonesia."
It contains black and white and color pictures of puppets on each page with a brief iconography. A note on the title page
reads, "Dedicated to Dr. Melvyn Helstien (1920-1990)."
box 15, folder 25
Blue notes
undated
Scope and Contents
Handwritten notes on blue paper regarding puppets: their shape, look, characteristics, color and painting techniques and iconography.
box 16, folder 25
Yakshagana
1981-1982
Scope and Contents
Three small booklets: "Yakshagana: folk theatre of Karnataka," the booklet contains information about the Yakshagana theater
group; the second booklet is titled "Yakshagana: yesterday, today, tomorrow" and contains information on the history of Yakshagana
and some of its members and the third booklet, "Yakshagana: that is life," contains information about Yakshagana the theatre
and the actors. One of the theatre forms generally described as folk but possessing a strong classical connection is the Yakshagana.
box 16, folder 26
Annual Report
1983-1984
Scope and Contents
A small booklet titled "Annual Report 1983-1984" describes the history of the Regional Resources for Folk Performing Arts
which was founded in 1984 at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College. This brochure contains information about the activities of the
center between May 1, 1983 and April 30, 1984.
box 16, folder 27
Prasanga Bulletin 10
1984 May
Scope and Contents
Two booklets from the same edition of a news bulletin subtitled, "Relevance of folk."
box 16, folder 28
Prasanga Bulletin 9
April 1984
Scope and Contents
News bulletin with green and white cover subtitled "Project Rangasthala."
box 16, folder 29
Bertolt Brecht leaves Los Angeles
1982
Scope and Contents
Small book part of Yackandandah playscripts by Roger Pulvers. This book is a play about a love story.
box 16, folder 30
The Phoenix and the Dwarfs
1944
Scope and Contents
Published play in three acts by George E. Taylor and George Savage who was a professor at University of California, Los Angeles
and is cited as one of Helstien's resume references. The book contains a handwritten inscription to Mel (Helstien) and it
is signed by George (Taylor or Savage).
box 16, folder 31
Ubu Roi
1961
Scope and Contents
This book is a drama in 5 acts by Alfred Jarry. It also has contains the following handwritten inscriptions: EX Libris Melvyn
B. Helstien, and To the King by A.
box 16, folder 32
The Hunters and the Henwife
1954
Scope and Contents
A published play for children by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A letter from Harvey dated October 8, 1970 is enclosed. The letter
head indicates Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, California 94523.
box 16, folder 20
Life in the United States military during WWII
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white photographs and negatives of Helstien's life in the military during the WWII.
box 16, folder 21
WWII plays and poems
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed plays and poems. The poems are titled, "I've got a reservation," "Debutantes of NBA," "Benito the bastard," "Pride of
the daily fright" and "I stole a banana tree from General Asher's bure."
box 16, folder 22
Notes and script pages
undated
Scope and Contents
Typed script pages and handwritten notes which are a combination of observations and bibliographic references.
boxes 17-18
Card Indices
undated
Scope and Content
Box 17: An index to puppeteers, villages, castes, plays, and Indian costumes typed on index cards.
Box 18: A glossary of terms typed on index cards.
box 2
Helstien caricature, framed
undated
box 2
Photographs, theater productions (no puppets)
box 2
Photographs, UCLA Helstien productions
1949-1969
box 2
Helstien, Melvyn, portrait
box 2
Alchemist costume designs
1941 December
box 2
The Size Machine photographs
1957 May 1
box 2
Possibilities photographs
box 2
Master Peter's Puppet Show photographs
1967 October.
box 2
The Magic Egg photographs, Dakotah Elementary School, Los Angeles
1969 April.
box 2
The Spirits Rappers photographs
box 2
Passion Play photographs
undated
box 2
Rose/Ring production stills
undated
box 2
A Dance for People, puppet photographs
1969
box 10
Don Cristobal y Madre de Dona Rosita photograph from Teatro de Titeres
box 10
Pencil sketch of Melvyn Helstien
1974 February 19
Scope and Content
By Y.S. Rose.
box 10
Color photos of Melvyn Helstien puppets for "Aucassin and Nicolette"
Scope and Content
Photographs by Brian Helstien.
box 13, folder 19
China
1985
Scope and Contents
Color Polaroid photos include images of Helstien's visit to China; meeting with the puppet makers and artists; puppets, and
children's performance in front of the puppet theater.
box 13, folder 20
Rome
1984
Scope and Contents
Color Polaroid photos include images from Helstien's visit to Rome.
box 13, folder 21
Moscow and Helsinki
1986
Scope and Contents
Color Polaroid photos of Helstien's visit to Moscow and Helsinki include images of churches and people.
box 13, folder 26
"A" photos and negatives
1977
Scope and Contents
Negatives of slides and prints, along with 33 photographs depicting shadow puppet performances, singers, and dancers. An inscription
on the envelope holding the negatives reads, "Roll 11, Keechika Vadha, Ras Lila."
box 13, folder 27
"B" photos and negatives
undated
Scope and Contents
Negatives of slides and black and white prints of slides, depicting shadow puppet performances in India and some puppeteers.
box 13, folder 28
"D" photos and negatives
1977 September 3
Scope and Contents
Negatives of slides and black and white prints of the slides. Manchayanakanahalli Roll 1 envelope is inscribed "Manchayanakanahalli,
Hanumauta Rao, Sundara Kanda." There are photographs of Indian people, construction of the puppet theaters, puppet shows and
puppeteers.
box 13, folder 29
"E" photos and negatives
1977 September 3
Scope and Contents
Negatives of slides and black and white prints of the slides. Manchanayakanahalli Roll 2 photographs depict puppeteers in
action and shadow puppets performing. Materials include a list of the events of the story in sequence.
box 13, folder 30
"F" photos and negatives
1977 September 10
Scope and Contents
Black and white prints of slides and negatives of slides depicting puppeteers in action and shadow puppets performing. Materials
include a sequential list of the events of the story of Nikumbali Yaga.
box 13, folder 31
"G" photos
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white photographs of shadow puppets in action.
box 13, folder 32
"H, I, J" photos
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white photographs of shadow puppets in action, as well as statuettes and puppets on display.
box 14
Photos of Indian shadow puppets
1979
Scope and Contents
Color and black and white photos of puppets. Some images of shadow puppets are glued on index cards with their names and a
note inscribed on the back of the cards, and others are color photos of the puppets without notes.
box 15, folder 21
Passports
1970, 1975, 1981, 1986
Scope and Contents
Four of Helstien's United States passports and a photocopy of a nametag.
box 15, folder 22
Portraits
undated
Scope and Contents
Two drawings of Helstien.
box 15, folder 26
Playhouse photographs
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white photographs depict scenes from a play called
The Physicists by Friedrich Durrenmatt.
box 16, folder 1
Pantheons of Power
1984
Scope and Contents
Five color photographs from the 2nd SARAS International Conference titled "Pantheons of Power."
box 16, folder 2
Photographs of Helstien
undated
Scope and Contents
Photocopies of color and black and white photographs of Helstien in different stages of his life.
box 16, folder 3
Helstien with his daughters
undated
Scope and Contents
An enlarged color photograph and a quotation from the cast of
Throne of Straw. The photograph depicts Helstien and his daughters in costumes standing in front of a puppet show stage. Helstien is holding
a puppet of a European soldier that looks like himself.
box 16, folder 4
Dragon puppet and puppeteers
undated
Scope and Contents
Color photograph of a colorful puppet and its puppeteers.
box 16, folder 5
Helstien and friends
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white photograph of Helstien with Sylvia (UCLA professor), Eddie, Heam, J. de Law and Beverly (UCLA professor).
box 16, folder 6
Seattle CMH underground
undated
Scope and Contents
Black and white and color photographs of Helstien and other actors in different theatrical scenes.
box 16, folder 7
Helstien in Southeast Asia
undated
Scope and Contents
A color photograph of Helstien with Southeast Asian friends sitting on the floor.
box 16, folder 8
Photographs from Southeast Asia
undated
Scope and Contents
Four black and white photographs of daily life in Southeast Asia.
box 16, folder 19
African proof sheet
undated
Scope and Contents
Several sheets of processed negatives.
box 16, folder 23
Drawing, Helstien's portrait
undated
Scope and Contents
A black pencil drawing of Helstien in middle age.
box 16, folder 24
Drawings
undated
Scope and Contents
Two drawings depicting war scenes.
Audiovisual materials
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SERIES CONTAINS AUDIO AND AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audio and audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment
and possible digitization for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using
the request button located on this page.
Box 1 contains eight 3/4-inch videotapes: U-matic.
Box 7 contains one 3/4-inch videotape: U-matic.
Box 9 contains two audiocassettes.
Box 12 contains twenty-five audiocassettes.
Box 14 contains twenty-two audiocassettes, twenty-six reels of 1/4 inch audiotape, and one reel of Super 8mm film.
Box 16 contains one LP Record.
Audiocassettes
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SUBSERIES CONTAINS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment and possible digitization
for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Box 9 contains 2 audiocassettes.
Box 12 contains 25 audiocassettes.
Box 14 contains 22 audiocassettes.
box 9
Studs Terkel Almanac
1980 March 5
box 9
Union Internationale des Marionnette (UNIMA)
box 12, box 12, folder unknown container, box 12, folder 3
Audiocassette tapes
1977-1981, 1984
Scope and Content
Audiocassette tapes are accompanied by typed and handwritten index cards. Audio cassette tapes include the following titles:
The White Snake; Star Bear; Lecture for Asia Society (about Karnataka puppets); Aucassin and Nicolette I, II and III; Hanumhnthappa
cassette 2; Hambaiah, songs, Jajaka sambhave-Sita (1st), Yenna Mahdolo (2nd), sutrah[m]enk (3rd), 412-Lord Rama's song, 378-Sitain
lana/Kusha, 1B Mghana, 2-Madhyamavati, 625-688 Sarasvati; Bruce Schwartz; Pinguli, Maharashtra; Hombaia; "Devi Bhagawkn;"
Los Angeles cinematheque presents: David Allen, Puppet Animation; Babruvahana Hombiah due from Kannada, tapes of Nansundan
Rao; Burr Tillstrom-Castaway's choice; Burr Tillstrom; Krsna-Kamsa Bayalatta, (1st side Dombedasis); Subba Rao interview;
Pinguli, (Pothi), Maharashtra; Babruvahana; Nan Rao, Questions; Talk given on Karnataca Puppets, Prof. M. Helstien; Nawjunda;
series of index cards of photo slides entitled Activities and Gods and an audiocassette from Tibilisi Puppet Theatre entitled,
"Meet an original."
box 14, folder 1
Forum with puppeteers
1985
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette labeled "Qonzhau; forum with puppeteers."
box 14, folder 2
Bakasura I and II
undated.
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette entitled, Hambaiah, "Bakasura" I & II.
box 14, folder 3
Bakasura III and IV
undated
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette labeled Hambaiah, "Bakasura" III & IV.
box 14, folder 4
Devi Mahatme
1984
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette title may refer to the Indian legend of the Mother Goddess Devi Mahatme.
box 14, folder 5
Hanumanthappa
undated
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette titled, Hanumanthappa, "Mahisasura Mardini."
box 14, folder 6
Hombaia/ Devi Mahatme
1984
Scope and Contents
Audiocassette may include a recording of a puppet show or recitation of Ramayana.
box 14, folder 7
Hombaiah number 1
1981
Scope and Contents
The audiocassette is titled "Hombaiah."
box 14, folder 8
Hombaiah number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
Possibly a recording of a puppet show or a recitation of Indian legend about the goddess Devi. Hombaiah, A: "Devi Bhagavan";
Hombaiah, B: I & II "Yuddha Kanda."
box 14, folder 9
Hombaiah: songs for puppet shows
undated
Scope and Contents
One audiocassette recording of the songs for puppet shows, titled "Hombaiah."
box 14, folder 10
Mahisasura Mardini
undated
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of the legend of Mahisasura Mardini.
box 14, folder 11
Mahisasura Mardini
undated
Scope and Contents
An audio recording of a puppet show or recitation of Mahisasura Mardini.
box 14, folder 12
Ramachar and Hombaiah number 7
1974
Scope and Contents
One audiocassette.
box 14, folder 13
Ramachar Hombaiah number 5 and 6
1974
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of a puppet show or recitation of the Ramayana.
box 14, folder 14
Ramachar hombaiah
1974
Scope and Contents
Possibly a recording of Indian instrumental music.
box 14, folder 15
Ramachar
1974
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette labeled "Ramchar/Hamaiah."
box 14, folder 16
Ramachendrappa number 1
undated
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of Ramachendrappa.
box 14, folder 17
Ramachendrappa number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of a puppet show or a recitation of part of the Ramayana.
box 14, folder 18
Ramaiah and Muniswamy Rao
undated
Scope and Contents
One audiocassette labeled "Ramaiah" on side A, "Muniswamy Rao" on side B.
box 14, folder 19
Sanjeeva Rao
undated
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of a puppet show or a recitation of part of the Ramayana. Sanjeeva Rao, "Laksmana muraha" I & II.
box 14, folder 20
Yuddha Kanda III and IV
undated
Scope and Contents
An audiocassette recording of a puppet show or recitation of
Yuddha Kanda. On the cassette it is noted, Hombaia B "Yuddha Kanda" III & IV.
box 14
Mahabharata
circa 1971
Scope and Contents
Photo slides, negatives and index cards in a small box labeled "Mahabharata." Slides are accompanied by negatives, each attached
to the corresponding slide. The index cards possibly refer to the name of the shadow puppets featured.
box 16, folder 9
Appendix A and C
undated
Scope and Contents
Photographic slides of masks in color with handwritten notes in blue ink. African masks numbered 36-46 and 55-58.
box 16, folder 10
Appendix A
undated
Scope and Contents
Photographic color slides of masks from different continents with handwritten notes on the slides. Slides are numbered 47-54
and 59-64.
box 16, folder 11
Puppet shop
undated
Scope and Contents
Photographic color slides depicting puppets, the puppet making process, and the puppet maker in action. Slides are numbered
28-37.
box 16, folder 12
Appendix B
1973
Scope and Contents
Photographic slides in color, depicting masks and puppets from Southeast Asia. Slides are numbered 65-82.
box 16, folder 13
Appendix D, number 1
undated
Scope and Contents
Color photographic slides of Japanese masks. Slides are numbered 2-7, 10-18, and 20.
box 16, folder 14
Appendix D, number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
Color photographic slides of Japanese masks. The slides are numbered 21, 23-35, and three slides are not numbered.
box 16, folder 15
Slides dated 1970s-1980s, number 1
1970-1980
Scope and Contents
Color slides of puppets from Southeast Asia. Only some of the slides have titles.
box 16, folder 16
Slides dated 1970s-1980s, number 2
1970-1980
Scope and Contents
Color slides of Southeast Asian shadow puppets. Only some of the slides have titles or explanatory notes.
box 16, folder 17
Slides dated 1970s-1980s, number 3
1970-1980
Scope and Contents
Color photographic slides of Southeast Asian shadow puppets. Some of the slides have notes explaining the content of the slides,
and most are color coded.
box 16, folder 18
Duplicates AP Shadows 1D tray 7 Museums
1976
Scope and Contents
Shadow puppet slides.
Videotapes
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SUBSERIES CONTAINS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment and possible digitization
for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Box 1 contains eight 3/4-inch videotapes: U-matic.
Box 7 contains one 3/4-inch videotape: U-matic.
box 1
Tis of Aucassin and Nicolette
1986 June 11
box 1
Division Street
1985 April 25
box 1
Chhau: the Masked Dance of Bengal
undated
box 1
Yakshagana: Ritual Dance Theater from South Kanara, India
undated
box 7
Pongsan masked dance from Korea
undated
Audiotapes
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SUBSERIES CONTAINS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment and possible digitization
for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Box 14 contains twenty-six reels of 1/4 inch audiotape. Twenty-two reels are 5 inches in diameter, four reels are 7 inches
in diameter.
box 14
Audiotapes
1966,1973,1974,1977, 1979
Scope and Contents
Twenty-two 1/4 inch audiotape recordings on 5-inch reels. Materials include the following titles: "Wayang Khota Baru;" "Wayang
Khota Baru"-thai, Bali, Java;" "Hun Krabok", Bangkok;" "Rajashrani Troupe-Awastbis's Horese;" "Puppet performance;" "Mrs.
Ma, daughter of Piar;" "Wat pradu on Klong Prom;" Side 1-"Suresh Awasthi commentary on Malo Ram" New Dehli; "Subba Rao Sidec;"
"Kogga Kamath", "Udlpl;" "Narakesura Vadhe;" "Barong etc;" "Kathinanda Das," "Shadow puppeteer," "Odasa Village, Orissa,"
"Sundara anda," "Sections of others;" Pinguli Village, "W. Bengal, Rod puppeteer;" "Ramayana" (Sita's Swayamrara) Tukaram
Nana," "Rasingh and company;" "Radhika Mohan" by Moitra; "Ghordan Nathu & Co;" "Darpani-Academy Pappetrey;" "Ramayana;" "Bhuraneswar"-Gloue
puppeteer; "Keonjharghar"-Rod puppeteer; "Mittal interview" in Hayderabad; "Yakshagana puppets in Sagar;" "El Retablo De Maese
Pedro;" Side 1-"Hussein in Beirut," Side 1 & 2-"Sunjukta Dancing and Talking;" "Husband singing;" "Kamaths Hakshagana" puppets
in Loipi; "Thailand;" plays: "Laksana Vongse;" "the folk songs of Uttar Pradesh;" "Bhakha-Jummu;" "Hori-Madhya Pradesh;" "Hori
of Avadh;" "Baul-in Bungal;" "Dandia Ras of Gujrat;" "Ghdomar of Rajasthan;" John Denver-"Rocky Mountain High;" Drum school
and Hindi Alphabet.
Two 7-inch reels of 1/4 inch audiotape titled,
Aucassin and Nicolette: I and II. One 7-inch reel titled
Yakshagana Royce Hall and one 7-inch reel
Sounds of the Yakshagana reel.
Super 8mm film
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SUBSERIES CONTAINS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment and possible digitization
for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Box 14 contains one Super 8mm film reel.
box 14
Super 8mm film reel
undated
box 14
Microfilm
undated
Scope and Contents
Three boxed rolls of microfilm. "History of Children's Theater by Nelly McCaslin," "College and University Activities in TV
by Cummings," and "Children's Theater by Sosin."
box 16
Vinyl record
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
SUBSERIES CONTAINS AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: Audiovisual materials in this collection will require assessment and possible digitization
for safe access. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located
on this page.
Box 16 contains one LP vinyl record.
box 16, folder 33
Vinyl record
1939
Scope and Contents
One LP vinyl record.
box 1
Aucassin [et Nicolette] annotated musical score
1938
box 1
Printed orchestra parts
undated
Puppets, scrapbooks, and scrolls
box 11
Scrapbook of Helstien clippings, photographs, and theatre ephemera
1947-1962
box 11
Chinese scroll by My Whe Guang
undated
box 10
Leaf puppets
undated
Scope and Content
Framed puppets made of leaves.
box 16, folder 34
Shadow puppet number 1
1939-1940
Scope and Contents
A Southeast Asian puppet depicting two young men.
box 16, folder 35
Shadow puppet number 2
undated
Scope and Contents
Handpainted shadow puppet representing a warrior.
box 19, folder 1-10
Puppets
undated
Scope and Content
Metal and ceramic puppets from India and Czechoslovakia.