This workshop will take a brief tour of the living traditions of shadow puppetry around the world, and introduce you to contemporary practice with the use of modern technology.
Continue readingShadow Puppetry and Projections–May 9, 2020
Cinderella in Muddy York at the Aurora Cultural Centre
The much loved story of Cinderella is reset in 1830’s Upper Canada, just as “Muddy” York is to be renamed Toronto, and where the very Canadian Cinderella is expected to cater to every whim of her recently immigrated stepmother and sisters. True to the classic fairy tale, with a little magic and some imaginative special effects our resourceful girl does get herself to the Ball, and to the satisfying conclusion of the play.
Continue readingOctober 15 deadline to apply for Recommender Grants
Puppetmongers is seeking applications from artists currently involved in the development of puppetry projects. Our priorities and areas of interest are:
The development of theatrical work with puppetry
The integration of puppetry into theatre productions
The creation of new forms of puppetry and new theatrical uses of puppetry
The nurturing of new generation and culturally diverse artists
Holiday Show 2019 — Tea at the Palace
Rich in magical surprises and mechanical ingenuity, inventive puppetry and exuberant folk music, Tea at the Palace is a sumptuous retelling of two stories told in old Russia about justice, humanity and compassion. In the first, a peasant finds a samovar in his field, but when he uses it to make tea “just like the Tsar” he is charged with treason. In the second, the Tsar is introduced to a wise and intriguing peasant girl, which scandalizes the courtiers who plot to thwart their friendship. Full of riddles, ritual and humour this play is both relevant and enchanting.
Continue reading2019-2020 Deadline for PXL
PXL is a forum for the development of creative ideas, not merely a showcase for future productions: emphasis is on the development of new material and unique adaptations of existing material.
Continue readingDavid Powell interviewed by CGTN America
David Powell, Puppetmongers co-Artistic Director, interviewed on the disappearing art of Chinese shadow puppetry.
Continue readingToy Theatre Workshop: January 20, 2019
From story idea to show time – workshop participants will transform ordinary cardboard boxes into magnificent miniature theatres, complete with little puppet actors and splendid scenic effects.
Continue readingCrankie Scroll Theatre Making, Jan 27, 2019
The Crankie Scroll of pictures is a powerful theatrical device for focusing and challenging the audience. The humble “crankie box” can be the narrative engine for a huge extravaganza or a one-person performance.
Continue readingChina’s Shadows, February 17, 2019
Part lecture, part living museum, and part hands-on workshop; this session is all you need to contextualize and utilize this incredible puppet form.
Continue readingWalidad the Grass Cutter
Performed with delicately carved rod marionettes, delightful visual effects and traditional Persian music, this retelling of a Near-Eastern folk tale is puppet theatre for older audiences. The Puppetmongers introduce a stunningly beautiful world of imaginative experience, based on their own travels in Iran, in this moving tale of a poor grass cutter whose generosity inadvertently draws him and his friend, a travelling merchant, into a world of p
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