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 and moving theatre.
‘Beautifully tender although often slightly disturbing’
In this workshop we will look at different puppet species - archetypes, alter ego, imaginary friend and the DARKER worlds of the imposter, the phantom and the effigy. If we twist the rules of our traditional puppetry techniques, we can watch as the relationship between the puppet and the performer begins to develop into something deeper and sometimes a little unsettling. Then we can break these bonds to see how everything on stage is effected and begin to ask who controls who.
How do THEY feel when they are squeezed, dropped or neglected?
Are they still alive when we leave them lying in the dirt on the floor?
By entering this DARKER side, we can discover fresh new narratives and 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 characteristics.
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. Participants can then continue to develop these ideas in their own performance practice.
Duration: 1 to 5 days
Capacity: maximum 12 people
No puppetry experience 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