The DARKER side of Puppetry
A new approach to Contemporary Puppetry Performance
In this new experimental workshop we will push the boundaries of puppetry as we know it to distort our fundamental assumptions of Puppet Theatre.
We will discover fresh ideas, techniques and narratives about manipulation, agency and who really controls who.
Along the route we will re-imagine the role of the puppeteer, destroy some puppetry myths and taboos, even witness how a puppet can live without it being manipulated. We can visit strange worlds inhabited by the more mysterious species of puppet for example the Alter Ego, the Imaginary Friend and the darker haunts of the Imposter, the Phantom and the Effigy. We can encourage dramatic power games between puppet and performer and reveal deeper and more surprising reasons to use a puppet onstage.. on any stage.
New ideas. New tools.
Suitable for all performers interested in tackling puppetry in their own way.
It is a weird place the DARKER side. Yes it can be dark and unnerving but there is beauty and actually a lot of fun to be found. A very inspiring approach to contemporary puppetry training.
These sessions are a fun and safe place for experimentation and an opportunity to really dive into these alternative performance methods. Techniques are geared towards performance for adult audiences but they can very easily be adapted for any audience type or theatre style.
For all curious theatre practitioners: actor, dancer, clown, puppeteer.
NO PUPPETRY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Duration: 1 to 5 days
Capacity: maximum 12 people
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
Pickled haunted heads - Installation
See Calendar for upcoming workshops
Development of the DARKER side
Since Faulty Optic I have been exploring alternative and contemporary ways to approach the use of puppets on stage. While attempting to draw away from the classical traditions of puppet theatre, I have worked with many different performers with a huge range of different skill sets. And I noticed that puppets can be animated in completely unexpected ways depending on who is doing the moving. For example a contemporary dancer may physically handle a puppet more assertively than an actor or puppeteer, a clown will find laughter in continually dropping the puppet on its head - but this way of working with the puppet would be something a puppeteer would find totally outrageous! But these new ideas add a whole new dimension to what a puppet can do, who it is and what it represents.
So I have developed this new contemporary puppetry training which allows ANY performer to gain the confidence and the ability to incorporate a puppet into their own work.
I am still researching and still finding new ways to allow others to gain this insight.
My research has been helped enormously by collaborating and working with:
puppeteer and performer Toztli Godinez de Dios
puppeteer and choreographer Anne-Kathrin Klatt
actor and aerialist Ninon Noiret
Testimonial - 'Gavin brought his legendary vision, stunning puppets, and thought-provoking style of teaching to the 'Dark Side of Puppetry' workshop. I so appreciated his unusual perspective on both the role of the puppet as well as the puppeteer. He created a wonderful space for experimentation - we were invited to walk the edge between the hilarious and terrifying to explore the reaches of puppetry's immense potential - and to invite onstage more of our own humanity as well.'
- Raven Kaliana, Director, Puppet (R)Evolution
Quotes from previous workshop participants:
- "As a complete beginner in 'proper' puppetry, the workshop has been extremely valuable."
- "Gavin's experience and insights have been fabulous. I feel I've come miles in an area that previously felt out of reach to me and my confidence has really grown"
- "Gavin's teaching style was relaxed and playful but backed up by a wealth of experience"
Liverpool, UK 2022
- "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"
Atelier Libusin, Prague CZ 2022
- "Learning something completely new is rare. This experience has been one of my most meaningful and I've participated in many different workshops since 2012.."
Stamsund, Norway 2024
- ‘The disrespect towards the puppets was shocking but in the best possible way!’
- ‘I particularly enjoyed giving voices to different parts of the self using puppets and objects. I think this Darker Side of Puppetry really lends itself well to this kind of exploration.’
Moving Parts Festival, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 2025