The DARKER side of Puppetry
A new approach to contemporary puppetry
If we re-examine the narrative, the context and the physical handling of a puppet, we can challenge the traditions in which we normally perform with one to create a very profound, moving and sometimes hilarious theatre.
‘Beautifully tender although often slightly disturbing’
In this very hands-on practical workshop we will look at a number of different puppet species for example:
Archetypes,
Alter Ego,
the Naughty Puppet,
the Imaginary Friend
and the DARKER worlds of
the Imposter, the Phantom and the Effigy.
If we twist the rules of our traditional puppetry techniques and sometimes go as far as breaking the bonds between the puppet and the performer, we can discover fresh new narratives and watch as their relationship changes into something deeper and often a little more unsettling.
How do THEY feel when they are squeezed, dropped or neglected?
Are they still alive when we leave them lying in the dirt?
BEWARE - by entering this DARKER side we may begin to see our puppet friends not as cute toys or dolls but apparently as living, breathing individuals with their own set of rules, moral codes and whims. They may even bite back!
This laboratory style workshop will be a fun and safe space for experimentation and an opportunity to really dive deeply into these alternative performance methods. Techniques are geared towards performances for adult audiences but they can easily be adapted for use in children's theatre.
Duration: 1 to 5 days
Capacity: maximum 12 people
Absolutely no puppetry experience is necessary !
Suitable for any curious theatre creative: actor, dancer, clown, puppeteer, writer, director.
Special thanks to Anne-Kathrin Klatt for original research and development
Ninon Noiret exploring the DARKER side of Puppetry for her show The Raft of the Crab. Glasgow 2021
Max has been kicked, shoved, stripped and dropped...
Royal Conservatoire Scotland - dance/movement improvisation
Following clues in a DARKER side installation piece - Atelier Libusin. Prague
NASTY puppetry workshop - UQàM Montreal 2020
Bochum figurentheater Germany - dance/movement improvisation
Following clues in another DARKER side installation piece - Atelier Libusin. Prague
Quotes from previous workshop participants:
Liverpool 2022
"As a complete beginner in 'proper' puppetry, the workshop has been extremely valuable."
"Gavin's experience and insights have been fab and I feel I've come miles in an area that previously felt out of reach.
My confidence has really grown"
"Gavin's teaching style was relaxed and playful but backed up by a wealth of experience"
Atelier Libusin, Prague, CZ. 2024
"As a maker rather than a performer, I found that performing with the puppets while the others watched was a bit daunting at first. But although we were exploring ‘the darker side’ of puppetry the atmosphere in the group was so warm, supportive and friendly that my inhibitions quickly melted away"
"One of the best workshops I attended"
Stamsund, Norway 2024
"This has been one of my most meaningful experiences and I've participated in different workshops since 2012.
Learning something completely new is rare and your workshop provided just that."
UPCOMING
WORKSHOPS
ANIMO FESTIVAL 2024
Kwidzyn, poland
2-5 October
2 hours per day