Yale’s Q&A series introducing new faculty members, Nicole Sheriko, Assistant Professor of English, reveals her lifelong passion for puppets and the intricate world of early English puppetry. Sheriko, previously a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cambridge, discusses her scholarly journey, the challenges of preserving ancient puppets, and her broader interests beyond puppetry.
As an undergraduate, Sheriko’s scholarly journey into early English puppetry began with Ben Jonson’s play, “Bartholomew Fair.” This play, documenting a famous puppet show from early modern England, left a lasting impression on her. Sheriko’s fascination with puppets extends beyond academia, rooted in childhood memories of watching stop-motion animation, Ray Harryhausen monsters, and the iconic puppet Yoda from Star Wars.
Sheriko’s access to archives at the University of Cambridge allowed her to delve into early English puppetry. She shares insights into her explorations of rural museums in East Anglia, where she unearthed old puppets once integral to traditional civic performances. The challenges of puppet preservation are evident, with Sheriko noting that physical breakdowns are common due to the inherent slapstick nature of puppetry.
Sheriko’s forthcoming book, “Lively Things,” promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of early English puppetry. Each chapter will dissect different puppet types, ranging from familiar glove puppets to surprising forms like animal skins and 12-foot-long dragons used in street processions. The book aims to reconstruct the landscape of early English theater, offering a unique perspective on the liveliness and animacy of objects in the performance.
While Sheriko’s primary focus is on early English puppetry, she also delves into the history of comedy, comic performance, and stage clowning. Her research extends to embodied and improvised performance, reconstructing the nuances of historical performances that may not be captured in surviving texts.
Beyond academia, Sheriko indulges in historical baking, recreating old recipes as a delightful blend of baking and historical research. Additionally, she shares her commitment to biking the two miles from Westville to work every day, emphasizing its practicality and convenience, especially in comparison to driving or taking a bus.
