Workshops
In order to enable children to participate in the puppet
performace, the introduction to the show is a displaying of tools
and materials used in puppet-making, with discussion and
questions on what puppets are, and how they are made, as well as
how they could start their own puppet shows.
The performance itself avoids stories or classical narrative, in
preference to an improvisational approach that encourages
children to interact with the puppet actors in a spontaneous way.
The program is lossely choreographed to a taped musical
accompaniment that cues the entry and exit times for the various
puppets, as well as adding drama and emotional pacing to the
program.
A typical puppet show introduces the following puppets in
somewhat varied sequence. Jester, Juggler, Baby, Butterfly
collector, Boy-Armand, Girl, Weight-lifter, Piggy, Bear, Devil,
Skeleton, Wolf, Monkey-professor, Goblin, Waterman, Fairy.
The children are encouraged to interact with the puppet
characters who are talking to them and provoking their reactions.
Every performance is different because of the improvisational
base of the show, and the personalities of the children in
attendance. The event becomes a story in itself.
At the conclusion of the performance, the children have an
opportunity to hold and learn to work the puppets themselves,
creating short acts, making the event a combination of theatre
and workshop. The point is to encourage children try to create
their own ways of entertainment thad are a mutually inspiring
dialogue. in community, rather than being passively entertained.