Strings of hope

[1]

The origins of puppetry has been attributed to India. The art is facing the onslaught of modernity and the traditional puppeteers are leading a hand-to-mouth existence. Most of us tuned into cultural stratosphere, would agree to this. But there is still a glimmer of hope.

Master puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee and his Ishaara Puppet Theatre Trust have been holding the annual puppet theatre festival for more than a decade now. And this year with four venues, marriage between traditional and modern styles and many international groups from Israel, Italy, Russia, Bulgaria and Iran as well as puppeteers from smallest districts of India, the festival plans to reach out to a wider section of people.
“Over the last few years, we have been using a lot of narratives but this time, we are interpreting text and using dialogues. Heer Ranjha is completely text-driven puppet theatre. We also have a rare shadow puppet group from Odissa. Each puppeteer is trying to add a certain modern technique to the traditional styles,” says Pudumjee, founder, Ishaara Theatre Trust.
The festival will take place at India Habitat Centre, Epicentre and Club Patio, Gurgaon, and Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh.
Puran Bhat has been a traditional Rajasthani puppeteer and is bringing in Dholamaaru, this year. He puts forth, “Although a traditional Rajasthani puppeteer, I have decided to use contemporary techniques to invoke emotions in puppets. We have gone beyond a single booth and will utilise the entire stage. Usually the puppeteer is not visible. But for the first time, you will see the relation between puppeteer and the puppet. One can witness the emotions of the puppeteer as well.”
The festival will also see a two-day seminar on Traditional and Modern puppetry, where puppeteers from will discuss issues in contemporary practices.
Valeria Bianchia of Italy will present a contemporary tale of a modern couple with Nonsa & Nonsa. “With short poetic sketches full of visual humour, music and signs, it will remind one of Charlie Chaplin and his silent movie era,” explains she.
Ana F. Gouveia of Portugal will take us on spiritual journey with The pier is alive. “Using puppetry, music, animation and optical illusions, I am going to bring to life the universality and timelessness of a pier. Each visit to a pier is an incredible journey full of beauty,” says Ana.
Garbage for Plums (Bulgaria), Bernarda’s Backstage (Spain) and A musician who played the moon (Iran) are other interesting theatres to watch out.
The festival commences from April 8