8th International Puppet Festival of Kalamata

ZURRUNKA TEATRO & LASEMILLANOVADORA

“Birakolore”

PUPPET STREET THEATRE. Duration 60'.

SATURDAY 12/10/2024, 12.00 – 13.00. Othonos Square to Central Square of Kalamata.
SUNDAY 13/10/2024, 12.00 – 13.00. Cultural Centre to Railway “OSE” Park.

The performance

Street puppet theatre. Basil and Valeria are two elderly people who have decided to take action, perhaps the action of their lives. They will bring to our streets the legacy of wisdom, contact with plants, seeds and the nature of the cycles of life. A gift for present and future generations. After retrieving from their barn an old cart, a watering can and tools to carry out their initiative, they discover the wild landscape that stems from beyond the urban class, that breaks away from the rules and approaches LIFE, reminding us that we are part of this NATURE. They plant colours in the streets of the cities while sowing love for future generations.

The group

ZURRUNKA TEATRO & LA SEMILLA VOLADORA Vitoria-Gasteiz is a theatre group from Alava in the Basque Country specialising in puppetry, street theatre and shadow theatre. They believe in art, creativity and its contribution to society, because culture helps us to be freer and more aware. 

Watch the teaser HERE.

LEMPEN PUPPET THEATRE

"Cardboard Carnival"

PUPPET THEATRE. Duration 45΄. Ages 4+

SUNDAY 13/10/2024, 19.30 — MONDAY 14/10/2024, 9.30 and 11.00
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

The performance is inspired by the "Carnival of the Animals" by the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. A delightful performance, without words, exploring the amazing possibilities of cardboard, full of the magic of puppetry. In their own inimitable style, Lempen from the North of England took the fantastic music of Camille Saint-Saëns, explored the material of cardboard, movement and invention to create an accessible, visual production without text, with a refreshing focus on the magic of puppetry, wowing audience with both the theatricality of the music and the creative possibilities of the simple cardboard.

Watch the trailer HERE.

The group

Lempen Puppet Theatre is a partnership between British born Liz Lempen and Swiss born Daniel Lempen. Liz trained in Puppetry, Fine art sculpture and Mime and Daniel in Puppetry, Mime and Music. Both have been developing their work and skills as puppeteers since the late 1980’s. Lempen Puppet Theatre Company tour their own unique brand of original stories told with puppets. Imaginative, spellbinding, surprising and sometimes bonkers, Lempen focus on puppetry, storytelling, light, music and a journey that takes the au- dience there and back again. To make their theatre they are inspired by Myth and Folklore, by intriguing and unconventional characters, by their sense of humour and by matters that they care about. They aim to produce quality productions for family audiences that connect the real world to the world of imagination. Based in North Yorkshire, but touring nationally and internationally Liz and Daniel Lempen are also the Artistic Directors for Skipton International Puppet Festival.

FUNDACJA GRA/NICE (BORDERS FOUNDATION)

“The Sea of ∞ Possibilities”

PUPPET THEATRE. Duration 40΄. Ages 5+

MONDAY 14/10/2024, 19.30 — TUESDAY 15/10/2024, 10.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

"The Sea of ∞ Possibilities" is an inspiring award-winning creation about discovering the inner potential and power of the child to shape the world. It is a puppet and visual performance with real-time projections. Together we embark on a magical journey into a world where images, sounds, questions and associations intersect. A gentle, warm and sensitive staging is meant to enhance the young audience's sense of self- esteem, help them explore their inner strength, stimulate their dream and vision, and encourage them to discover the unknown.

The group

Fundacja Gra/nice (Borders Foundation) is a group of young artists from Poland. Its aim is to create performances and artistic activities dealing with urgent issues of vital importance for the development of social consciousness. Borders is a meeting place. A place that dares to discuss and encourage dialogue between different modes and media (e.g. form theatre, dance theatre, acrobatics). It is a space for the exchange of thoughts, opinions, experiences and feelings. The group was created during the realization of the performance "Nameless/Unknown", produced within the framework of Łukasz Batko's "Młoda Polska 2020" ("Young Poland 2020") scholarship, which appeared at the most important puppet theatre festivals in Poland, winning many awards. The Foundation has become a beneficiary of the project "Przestrzenie Sztuki" 2022 (Art Space) in Łódź, within the framework of which the children's show "The Sea of ∞ Possibilities” was created.

DIMITRAKOPOULOS SHADOW THEATRE

"Karagiozis and the Giant"

SHADOW TEATRE. Duration 40΄. Ages 3+

TUESDAY 15/10/2024, 18.30
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

For days now, a fearsome and terrible giant has been appearing in the world of bardé! A huge man with a bat walks around the town, day and night, terrorizing the residents. Karagiozis and his gang try to figure out where the giant has come from and what exactly he wants from them. Will the barefoot protagonist together with Nionio, Barba-Giorgos and Hatziavatis manage to solve the mystery?

The group

Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos was born in 2002 and comes from Kalamata. He is a student at the Psychology Department of the University of Athens. From an early age he has been involved in the art of shadow theatre as an amateur with his sister and partner, Georgia Dimitrakopoulou. From 2011 until today, they perform traditional Karagiozis performances based on experience and improvisation with respect to the art of shadow theatre. They have presented performances in many regions of Messinia, in Athens, in schools, cultural associations, villages and festivals. During these years of activity, the company has dealt with classic texts of shadow theatre, as well as with original ideas and texts. It has collaborated with municipalities and cultural institutions, as well as with the International Puppet Festival of Kalamata. Konstantinos is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Shadow Theatre and the Greek Puppet Theatre Centre Unima Hellas. Since 2022, the company has been operating on a professional level.

SPEIRA TROUPE

"Fasoulis and the Feather Pillow"

PUPPET POPULAR THEATRE. Duration 20΄. Ages 5+

TUESDAY 15/10/2024, 19.30 — SUNDAY 20/10/2024, 19.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Fassoulis is a deeply carnivalesque character... A subversive folk element that unites yesterday with today! He is perhaps one of the oldest comic characters in puppetry. He straddles the line between good and evil, light and darkness, life and death. The Angel and the Devil, good and evil meet and suddenly everything changes! Is it love, is it hate, that gave birth to Fassoulis? Who knows... Either way, our puppet hero is here, full of energy and ready, with his penetrating laughter, to relieve us and to get us excited. On his way will be his beloved Marouka, a baby, a cheeky black cat, and finally death itself, which he is called upon to face. Will he manage to escape and defeat him?

The group

The puppet theatre group "Speira" was created by Nikoleta Vassilopoulou, based in Kalamata, Messinia, operating mainly in Kalamata and the Attica region, but also in the rest of Greece. Nikoleta Vassilopoulou was born in 2003 and comes from Kalamata. Since 2020 she has been involved in puppetry. During this time, she has attended short and long seminars on the art of puppetry and performing arts, from great artists in the field. She has participated in the 2nd Puppet Theatre Festival of the Greek Puppet Theatre Centre, as well as in the International Puppet Festival of Kalamata, and she is a member of Unima Hellas.

THOMAS HERFORT MARIONETTES

"Little Piglet Henry"

MARIONETTES THEATRE. Duration 40΄. Ages 3+

WEDNESDAY 16/10/2024, 10.00 — THURSDAY 17/10/2024, 11.00 — SATURDAY 19/10/2024, 11.30
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Henry the Piglet pokes fun at the audience and introduces his friends in a modern variety of short sketches: the Tale of the Chicken and the Fox, a clumsy frog tries to be a funny clown, a dynamic dwarf who shows he is... the world's most exotic and beautiful belly dancer, an exotic mosquito and his flower, and many other colorful, poetic and funny puppets. touch the hearts of young and old alike. A poetic, funny and colorful variety. A show for all ages.

The company

Thomas Herfort, artist and founder of the Kabare Pupala Marionettes, was born in 1968 in Bavaria, studied Fine Arts in Germany and Spain. For many years, he has been making puppets as a hobby. From 2000 to 2007, he worked in the "Atelier de marionetas" with many puppeteers from all over the world. In 2008 he founded the mobile puppet theatre KΑΒΑRE PUPALA MARIONETTES. Since then he has been performing all over the world and also shows children how to easily make puppets with a technique he has developed himself.

PUPPET THEATRE REDICOLO

"Robin Hood, the True Story"

PUPPET THEATRE. Duration 50'. Ages 4+

WEDNESDAY 16/10/2024, 11.00 and 19.30
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

A show with human-sized puppets, thrilling action, epic twists and turns, clever humour and rousing live music. With the active participation of children, it reveals the value of collectivity and talks about how im- portant and necessary "together" is. Robin Hood is the best of them all, the best at everything. Everyone admires him for his bravery and asks for his help. And he is always there, ready to fight injustice and de- fend the weak. But wait a minute. He's always there, but always all alone. After all, does even a superhero need help?

Watch the trailer HERE.

The group

Redicolo Puppet Theatre was born in 2011 in Thessaloniki by Yannis Momtsios and Despina Kalpenidou. Since then it has been creating and presenting performances for children and adults, exploring the use of the puppet as a tool in theatre. The group's performances are characterised by impressively large puppets, which come to life and interact with the actors and the audience. People and puppets play together on stage and invite children to actively participate, with the aim of enjoying the performance as an authentic experiential experience. The group's performances have traveled to hundreds of schools, theatres and cultural venues throughout Greece.

COMPANIA JORDI BERTRAN

"Circus"

Puppet Theatre. Duration: 60΄. Ages: 4+

THURSDAY 17/10/2024, 10.00 and 20.00
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

CIRCUS is a puppet show where Jordi Bertran pays tribute to one of the biggest geniuses of the 20th century, Charlie Chaplin. On the 125th anniversary of his birth, the puppeteer brings to us this show inspired by Charlot, one of the most famous characters of the first half of the 20th century, arised from the world of Cinema, will do an exhibition with his four-wheel rollers. This is an inspired scene from one of his films called “Modern Times”. Rachel, the flower-seller, will be Charlot’s scene partner, she is the muse that lives constantly in his dreams. This puppet is inspired by the character that sells violets in the film called “City Lights” by Charles Chaplin. Two funambulist clowns, will risk their lives to the rhythm of Charlie Chaplin's music, upon the tightrope showing all what they feel one for another. A yellow flower will be the symbol that represents their love. Circus premiered on September 3, 2015 at the 9th International Festival of Clowns of Valsequillo, Gran Canaria.

The group

In 1977, Jordi Bertran met a group of puppeteers from Barceloneta, the old fishermen's quarter of Barcelona, the "Grupo Taller de Marionetas", under the direction of Pepe Otal, thus discovering the power of charm and the puppeteers' ability to communicate. In 1987 he founded his own company. Jordi Bertran’s Company is one of the most known and prestigious companies of Spain. He has been awarded with many national and international prizes. He has taken part in the most important international festivals of Performing Arts, in more than fifty countries, and he has also worked in television shows everywhere. When it comes to his educational work, Jordi Bertran teaches courses of manipulation and construction of puppets, at his studio, at La Casona theatre school in Barcelona, and has led international courses in many places.

Watch the trailer HERE.

LA PUNCTUAL – EUGENIO NAVARRO

“Rutinas”

PUPPET POPULAR THEATRE. Duration 40'. Ages 4+

THURSDAY 17/10/2024, 19.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Rutinas is a puppet theatre inspired by European folk tradition that has been performed for centuries in streets, squares, parks and small theatres for children and adults. As the title itself suggests, Rutinas is a succession of "Stories" of manipulation involving some of the most iconic characters in the repertoire of traditional puppeteers. The protagonist of these Routines is Malik, who this time confronts the rebellion of characters and set elements in a delirious comedy for puppets.

The author and puppeteer: Eugenio Navarro

Eugenio Navarro (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1953) has been a reference point in the world of puppetry in Catalonia and Spain since he co-founded the puppetry group La Fanfarra, one of the best known in Europe, in the mid-1970s. At the beginning of the following decade they founded the Malic Theatre, dedicated specifically to puppetry. Since then, he has presented, performed and directed numerous shows using various techniques - shadow puppets, puppets for which he has received acclaim from audiences, critics and colleagues. He currently runs La Puntual, a Barcelona theatre dedicated to the world of polichinelas, with his son Néstor Navarro, and continues to participate in international festivals around the world.

"THEATRE WITH NO CURTAIN"

“The Girl Who Asked For a Needle, a Simple Needle”

PUPPET AND SHADOW THEATRE. Duration 45'. Ages 5+

FRIDAY 18/10/2024, 9.30 and 11.00 — SATURDAY 19/10/2024, 19.00
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

With responsibility towards the demands of today's children, the work of Christos Boulotis, who so artfully knows how to deeply concern his readers by writing tales that entertain and concern on all levels, is brought to life. Bοuloti's story teaches how important perseverance, courage and the absence of fear are in defending the common good. The heroine draws strength from her own self and achieves the "impossible", giving to the audience a lesson in strengthening self-esteem. Where thinking makes the simple complex and obliterates human dignity... Through the world of puppetry, the magic of three-dimensional shadow and original music, through constant alternations of comic and dramatic situations, through the poignant grimness of the puppet, the spectators will travel to a bizarre state.

Watch the trailer HERE.

The group

«Theatre With No Curtain» (a non-profit public theatre company) was unofficially founded in 2005, and officially founded in 2015 by Dimitris Siountas (actor, director, theatrologist), Konstantina Antoniadou (educator, actress), Pericles Siountas (musician, actor, dancer). The name "Theatre With No Curtain" is due to their vision for a theatre where there is no dividing "line" of the curtain between the spectators and the spectators (actors)... where the spectators are conscious of their participation in the performance. In many of their actions so far, they engage the audience at the time of the performance. Their vision is to bring theatre into the everyday life of the regional residents. They have worked for many years pro bono, offering street performances, organizing seminars and creating theatre groups for children and adults. Since 2005 they have been active in the Nafpaktia area and have been touring throughout Western Greece: Amfissa, Patras, Messolonghi, Agrinio, Lefkada, Aitoliko, Aigio, Pyrgos, Amaliada.

ANTAMAPANTAHOU Puppet Theatre

“The Mirror Between Us”

MARIONETTE THEATRE. Duration 45'. Ages 12+

FRIDAY 18/10/2024, 11.00 and 20.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

An exploration of the limits of isolation. Two people immersed in their own personal sealed space. A stage space divided into sections of isolation and two performers moving within these narrow boundaries. The mirror between them, cold and frozen, does not allow for transgressions. Two puppets who, coming to life, reflect the suffocating burdens and have no other desire than to break the boundaries of isolation and converse.

The group

The puppet making and theatre workshop ANTAMAPANTAHOU was created in 1996 by Nikos Tombros and Eleni Panagiotou, puppet makers and puppeteers based in Vasilika, North Evia. Since then, it has been performing all over Greece, and has participated in 40 international festivals in 17 countries in Europe, South Africa and Asia. Particularly interested in combining puppet theatre with other arts, it has in this direction collaborated with artists from theatre, music and circus. It has held puppet making and animation workshops for children and adults in municipalities, schools and international festivals. Since 2021 the company has been a founding member of the Puppet Collective "TARAXAKO".

SPIRA GROUP

“The Acrobat SOLO”

MARIONETTE THEATRE. Duration 15'. Ages 3+

SATURDAY 19/10/2024, 18.15
Cultural Center (Pnevmatiko Kentro) Foyer

The performance

An elaborate handmade wooden puppet brings to life the role of an acrobat who humorously stumbles on a rope accompanied by music like a real acrobat, causing laughter to children and adults.

The artist

The puppet theatre group "Speira" was created by Nikoleta Vassilopoulou, based in Kalamata, Messinia, operating mainly in Kalamata and Attici region but also in the rest of Greece. Nikoleta Vassilopoulou was born in 2003 and comes from Kalamata. Since 2020 she has been involved in puppetry. During this time, she has attended short and long seminars on the art of puppetry and performing arts, from great artists in the field. She has participated in the 2nd Puppet Theatre Festival of the Greek Puppet Theatre Centre, as well as in the International Puppet Festival of Kalamata, and is a member of Unima Hellas.

KOKOU-MOUKLO Puppet Theatre

"The Magical Nut Shells"

PUPPET THEATRE. Duration 60'. Ages 4+

SUNDAY 20/10/2024, 11.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

The show combines puppetry with children's theatre. The story is an adaptation of an old but timely Scottish fairy tale about the important values of life and the power of friendship. Once upon a time, there lived a selfish lord who dreamed to become king and possess the Golden Crown. As he was greedy and conceited, he believed that the richer he became, the sooner the Queen would make him king! But everything is turned upside down when the Queen announces that... "Whoever conquers the precious gift of friendship, the crown of the Queen will win!" and so his plans are overturned! What will the lord, who has no idea what friendship is, think to do now? What part will a little girl, a handful of magic nutcrackers, a mistake and Patatius, the lord's servant, play in the story?

The group

The group was founded in 2003 by the puppeteers Vaso Yarenis and Iro Theodorou. Since then the group has had a continuous presence in the field of puppetry giving performances in schools, theatres, festivals, conservatories, libraries etc., while during the summer months it tours in municipalities all over Greece. In the course of time the group has been joined by remarkable young people, musicians, lighting de- signers, actors, stage designers, musicians, lighting designers, actors and stage designers, Also, through collaboration with other arts and artists, the group evolves expressively, technically and aesthetically. It has created twelve performances for children and two for adults as well as various puppetry workshops. The group is an active member of Unima.

DIMITRAKOPOULOS SHADOW THEATRE

"The Holidays of Uncle Giorgos"

SHADOW TEATRE. Duration 40΄. Ages 3+

SUNDAY 20/10/2024, 18.00
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Uncle George wins his dream vacation in a game show! He prepares to leave the village, take the liner and travel to a tropical island! With him on this trip, of course, will be Karagiozis and his boys! All together as a group, they pack their bags and leave for the island of the elves, which is filled with people and tourists every August. But there they will be confronted with the problem of pollution that is slowly destroying the seas and coasts. What will our favourite heroes do to help? Will someone spoil their plans?

An original and interactive show for children full of colours and messages! A play with ecological content that aims to raise awareness among young spectators about waste management and the protection of natural wealth. Through the funny antics of Karagiozis and his company, but also through the important help of the Fairies and Elves, together they create a wonderful island ready and clean for every visitor!

The group

Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos was born in 2002 and comes from Kalamata. He is a student at the Psychology Department of the University of Athens. From an early age he has been involved in the art of shadow theatre as an amateur with his sister and partner, Georgia Dimitrakopoulou. From 2011 until today, they perform traditional Karagiozis performances based on experience and improvisation with respect to the art of shadow theatre. They have presented performances in many regions of Messinia, in Athens, in schools, cultural associations, villages and festivals. During these years of activity, the company has dealt with classic texts of shadow theatre, as well as with original ideas and texts. It has collaborated with municipalities and cultural institutions, as well as with the International Puppet Festival of Kalamata. Konstantinos is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Shadow Theatre and the Greek Puppet Theatre Centre Unima Hellas. Since 2022, the company has been operating on a professional level.

DIMITRAKOPOULOS SHADOW THEATRE

Karagiozis Figure Workshop

FIGURE CONSTRUCTION AND ANIMATION WORKSHOP. Duration 90'. Ages 6-13

SUNDAY 13/10/2024, 10.00-11.30
Experimental Stage Hall

Instructors: Konstantinos & Georgia Dimitrakopoulou
Artistic techniques: shadow theatre

The workshop

Young spectators, with the guidance of the animators, make a selected figure/hero of shadow theatre in plastic! We paint with whatever colour we like, cut, join and our figure is ready! The materials and supplies for the construction are provided by us. Each child takes home the figure it has created.

Supplied: Each child's drawing of the figure on paper, 0.50mm plastic gel sheet, gel/spirit markers, scissors, double nails to join the pieces

Puppet-making Workshop

Duration 120΄. Ages: 6+ (15 children)

SUNDAY 20/10/2024, 11.00-13.00
Experimental Stage Hall

Instructor: Thomas Herfort

The workshop

A workshop for children with recyclable materials.

We shall make a little marionette with newspaper and scotch, a marionette that children from 6 up will be able to create on their own, or even younger with the help of their mother, father, grandmother or grandfather.