Automata

Automata

An automaton (plural: automata or automatons) is a self-operating machine. The word is sometimes used to describe a robot, more specifically an autonomous robot. (See Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automaton )

The reference may also be to life-size Automaton figures, worked automatically through wires, gears, ropes, steam or by someone inside the huge puppets. Popular in the 19th century, though much older than that.

The Automata, a theatre company

A puppet company under Mr W. H. F. Parker. which visted South Africa between 1837 and 1848. In 1837 they impressed Cape Town audiences with the huge, life-size Automaton figures. It “worked automatically through wires, ropes, steam” or someone inside the huge puppets. It was the first recorded puppet display in Cape Town. Shows included “Polander” (5 December 1837), “The Enchanted Turk”, “Children in the Wood” and “Trip to Brentford”. In 1838 the company took their show to Stellenbosch, Worcester, Swellendam, George and Uitenhage, in 1839 they were in Grahamstown. By 1848 Automata was back in Cape Town when Mr Parker assigned himself as manager of Drury Lane Theatre. Automata’s long run of performances was now at an end.** (Fletcher, 1994)

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