LA PETITE MARGUERITE

“Bubble Parade“

Performance and Parade. Duration: 90 minutes.

Saturday, 11/10/2025, 6:00 PM. From the Cultural Centre to the OSE Park of Kalamata.

The performance

The Aerials are two real creatures who roam the urban landscape in search of the poetry and dreams that exist within us. They play, dance, create, and give away countless bubbles and infinite moments of joy and carefreeness.

It is a participatory visual parade that takes place in the public space and uses visual storytelling to propose playing with bubbles as a means of closeness, acceptance, sharing, and live practice.

• Idea, concept, choreography, constructions, handling techniques, and interpretation: La Petite Marguerite (Vasia Tsotsou, Kariofyllis Grozoudis)

The group 

The group La Petite Marguerite is an artistic research group whose work and activities are based on the idea of playing with soap bubbles. The group seeks common ground for coexistence and envisions a society dominated by love, kindness, acceptance, justice, respect, and equality. It explores new ways of communicating and connecting, which is why it designs participatory performances and workshops that are accessible to everyone. The aim of its work and activities is to create a community of children of all ages in which they play, create, discover, and reveal the importance of the here and now, but also of the ephemeral, through play and the inspiration of soap bubbles.

 site: https://bubbleperforming.com/

GROUP KOKOY MOYKLO

«Stories of the Oak Tree.

Puppet theatre performance. Duration: 50 minutes. Age: 2.5–6 years.

SUNDAY 12/10/2025, 11.00 AM. Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Spring is approaching, and two little mice, Mous Mous and Snuf, live at the roots of the great Oak tree. In its branches, Mama Karakaza has built her nest, where she zealously and enthusiastically cares for her newborn egg! Beyond the hill lives the big, kind bear. And somewhere nearby, the tiny, sad little flower... What will happen when a mischievous egg breaks out of its nest? Who does the big sock that has been fluttering in the forest all morning belong to and what is the little shooting star doing in the forest? Come along and let’s discover all this together...

The group

The Kokou-Mouklou puppet theatre has been active in the field of puppetry for 20 years. Starting out in a small puppet theatre in Kallithea, the two puppeteers, Vasso Giareni and Iro Theodorou, managed to create the fairy-tale microcosm of Kokou -Mouklos that children and adults have come to love. After a long journey during which they managed to establish very important collaborations in Greece, they created the Atelier Kokoemoeklo in the Netherlands and the Kokou-Mouklos puppet theatre in Kalamata. It organizes puppet theatre performances and workshops, and is based in Athens and Kalamata.

PETITES PERCEPTIONS - Katerini Antonakaki

«L’étrange piano de Kreisler.

Theatre of Music and Objects. Duration: 50 minutes. Age: 5+

Sunday 12/10/2025, 7:30 PM, Monday 13/10/2025, 11:00 AM
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)                                                       

The performance

A theatrical duet for piano and objects inspired by the imaginary composer Johannes Kreisler, created by Hoffmann, who also inspired Schumann for his work Kreisleriana. On stage, the unexpected Kreisler performs this piece on a strange piano made of miniature theatrical mechanisms. Another figure (a reflection of Kreisler) accompanies the score, composing with lights and objects an audiovisual three-dimensional walk through the mind of the pianist, who is deeply devoted to the musical expression of sensations and emotions. The performance focuses on the contradictions an artist encounters on the path of creation in terms of freedom and commitment to his work. On stage, a pianist plays aspects of his soul on a piano ready to navigate between music and poetry. The audience is immersed in a three-dimensional poem in the footsteps of a few pages torn from an amazing diary.

The group

Aikaterini Antonakaki develops theatrical research centered on the dramaturgy of space. Her choreographed scenographic inventions are filled with sounds, objects, and figures in motion—carriers of images and meanings. An interdisciplinary approach at the boundaries of the visual arts with the ephemeral moment of theatre. Her works—open questions in the familiar mythology of each viewer—are inspired by architecture, philosophy, and science in a timeless everyday life.

The performance "L’étrange piano de Kreisler” by the company Petites Perceptions of Katerini Antonakaki is presented at the 9th International Puppet Festival of Kalamata with the support of the French Institute of Greece – Service of cooperation and cultural action of the French Embassy in Greece.

Puppet theatre Ángeles de Trapo

«Lemba.

Puppet theatre. Duration: 40 minutes. Age: 3+

Monday 13/10/2025, 9.30 AM & 7.30 PM 
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Lemba is a puppet theatre production inspired by some of the many real stories of our closest relatives: chimpanzees. Sadly, these animals are endangered due to deforestation, poaching, and the illegal animal trade. In a world where fame is fleeting and social media controls the fate of celebrities, an influencer whose popularity is fading decides to buy a chimpanzee and use it in videos to gain money and followers. This is how Lemba arrives, a young chimpanzee who was torn from her family and home in the jungle to live as an internet entertainment animal. website: https://youtu.be/PG-sZUxCWwQ

The group

Ángeles de trapo is a family-owned company with 40 years of experience in puppet theatre. Since the company was established it has been recognized for the professional level of its theatrical productions during all these years. The company is always trying to innovate, to surprise audiences and to break away from the established schemes in the world of puppet theatre. Its last productions have travelled around the world and have been included in the most famous national and international festivals, having won several awards.

The performance "Lemba” by the company Ángeles de Trapo is presented at the 9th International Puppet Festival of Kalamata with the support of the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes.

Dimitrakopoulos Shadow Theatre - SPIRA Puppet Theatre

«"Mavromatika Fasolia, Karagkiozis-Fasoulis (The Reunion)
Karagkiozis-Fasoulis (The Reunion) »

Shadow theatre - Puppet Popular Theatre. Duration: 50’, Αge: 6+

Tuesday 14/10/2025, 10.00 AM, Wednesday 15/10/2025, 7.30 PM
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

The Spira puppet theatre and Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos Shadow Theatre Company join forces in a unique collaboration starring two iconic folk heroes, Karagiozis and Fasoulis! Inspired by the traditional forms of shadow theatre and folk puppet theatre, the artists create a contemporary variety show featuring figures and puppets! Short comic episodes alternating between two different scenes create unexpected situations! Ultimately, how much of Karagiozis is Fasoulis and how much of Fasoulis is Karagiozis?

The group

The Dimitrakopoulos Shadow Theatre Company was founded by Konstantinos Dimitrakopoulos and Georgia Dimitrakopoulou in 2015. They are based in Kalamata, Messinia, but also perform throughout Attica. Since 2022, they have been performing traditional shadow theatre as well as contemporary and original works at a professional level. Their performances have been presented at festivals, primary and secondary schools, municipal events, and museums. Konstantinos is a member of UNIMA Hellas and the Panhellenic Shadow Theatre Association.

The Spira Puppet Theatre was created by Nikoleta Vasilopoulou, who has been involved in this art form since 2020. She has participated in short and long seminars and workshops in Greece and abroad on the art of puppetry and the performing arts, taught by renowned artists in the field. She has taken part in festivals and has presented works in theaters, schools, and public performances. She is a member of UNIMA Hellas.

Puppet troupe P.S.K.                 

«Bakakinos in love.

Puppet theatre. Duration: 40'. Age: 4+

Tuesday 14/10/2025, 11.00 AM, Saturday 18/10/2025, 11.30 AM
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

“Bakakinos in love” is a fairy tale by Letta Petrouaki, adapted by her for puppet theatre. It is the story of a romantic and sensitive little frog who hates war and violence, supports the weak and refugees, loves knowledge and studying the stars, and waits for love. One day, he meets a refugee girl at his lake and falls in love with her. Will his father, Mr. Bakakas, the leader of the frogs, a warmonger and a cruel frog, allow him to marry her? A story that speaks of the value of peace, solidarity, the power of friendship and love, respect for difference, and the power of will.

The group

The "Koukloparea" (Puppet Troupe) of the Kalamata Experimental Stage consists of amateur puppeteers who have been involved in puppet theatre for over 25 years, staging performances, adapting plays, and organizing numerous workshops on puppet construction and animation. They have created an impressive collection of hundreds of puppets that adorn a train car at the Train Museum in Kalamata's Municipal Park. For the past 9 years, they have been organizing one of the two largest international puppet theatre festivals in Greece.

Puppet theatre ARIMA

«The Recipe of Happiness.

Puppet theatre of objects.
Duration: 45'. Age: 3+

Tuesday 14/10/2025, 18.30 PM, Wednesday 15/10/2025, 10.00 AM and 11.00AM
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

A chef is getting his kitchen ready in order to cook, when suddenly vegetables, which come to life, create their own world. The power of metamorphosis transforms the way we see things and very simple, everyday situations lead us to an unexpected wonder-full universe. The “Recipe of Happiness” is a play without words. How could happiness be expressed in words? You can feel it and it can overwhelm you, but it is hard to put it into words. The tendency of being tempted and taste the joy of life transforms the dark moments of life into a great celebration. In this way, still objects can obtain life, change shape and let themselves enjoy music and create their own choreography. There also comes the time when the dream ends, but, nevertheless, its sweet eco changes reality… And happiness leaves its sweetness into our hearts forever. A play with no words can speak all the languages of the world. A play which refers to happiness can make people of all ages be moved by it, even the youngest of children.

The group

The Arima Puppet Theatre is based in Heraklion, Crete. Since 2007, we maintain a small theatre where we have staged performances for both children and adults. In addition to performances, we also aim to promote the art of puppetry through educational programs and workshops. We have a separate space where we hold workshops for children on topics related to both art and science. The activities of the Arima Puppet Theatre include a variety of audience engagement shows (pantomime, magic, musical events, etc.) In addition, we have undertaken the design and construction of sets, theatrical props, and puppets for notable professional theatre companies and amateur dance groups. The inspiration behind the puppet theatre is puppeteer Kostis Zaïmakis. 

Puppet theatre ARIMA

«The Festival of Silent Poets.

Short puppet performance. Duration: 30'. Age: 6+
Free entrance

Wednesday 15/10/2025, 18.30 PM, Municipal OSE Park

Performance

An unknown voice from the past becomes a reason for celebration. Dolls, giant puppets, music, and pranks set the stage for a street festival full of humor and tenderness. A festival that remembers the silent poets of life and invites both children and adults to laugh, be moved, and celebrate together. Kostis Zaïmakis and the Arima Puppet Theater bring to life the surviving poems of an unknown poet. Three folk tales full of humor and tenderness from the voice of an elderly woman intertwined with the voices of all the silent women who loved and wove our lives with their songs. A performance where satire meets memory and tradition meets celebration. A festival of poetry and puppet theatre that invites us to reexamine life through the sarcasm, sensitivity, and power of silent poets. A tribute to the poets of life - women, housewives, lovers, the anonymous, the invisible.

The group

The Arima Puppet Theatre is based in Heraklion, Crete. Since 2007, we maintain a small theatre where we have staged performances for both children and adults. In addition to performances, we also aim to promote the art of puppetry through educational programs and workshops. We have a separate space where we hold workshops for children on topics related to both art and science. The activities of the Arima Puppet Theatre include a variety of audience engagement shows (pantomime, magic, musical events, etc.) In addition, we have undertaken the design and construction of sets, theatrical props, and puppets for notable professional theatre companies and amateur dance groups. The inspiration behind the puppet theatre is puppeteer Kostis Zaïmakis. 

Puppet Theatre REDICOLO

“PINOCCHIO, a different boy“

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

Thursday 16/10/2025, 9.30 AM, 18.00 PM
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

The Redicolo group presents “Pinocchio, a Different Boy”, an original adaptation of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale. With life-sized puppets, theatrical masks, live singing, and interactive elements, the performance turns children from spectators into co- creators of the story. Pinocchio becomes a symbol of diversity and self- acceptance, taking young and adult audiences on a journey filled with imagination, humor, and emotion. A theatrical experience that highlights the message that being a “real human” is not about looking like others, but about loving, respecting, and caring for one another.

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.

Puppet Theatre TA PANTA FI

«The valuable trash of Mr. NO.

Puppet Theatre. Duration: 50'. Age: 5+

Thursday 16/10/2025, 11.00 AM, 19.30 PM
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

The valuable trash of Mr. No by Christos Boulotis was adapted by the puppet theater group Ta Panta Fi. When the painter Mr. No returns to his beloved city, he is disappointed to find something unexpected: the once green city has been turned into a rubbish dump, and there is not a single touch of green anywhere! Everything is covered in piles of rubbish. A little girl tells Mr. No the story of the city. With his imagination and the help of the children as his allies, Mr. No puts his secret plan into action, which will awaken people's nostalgia for their beautiful city and transform the trash into valuable creations. Mr. No, a painter, artist, and inventor, will offer the residents something they have forgotten: the ability to dream and pursue a better future.

The group

The Puppet Theater Group Ta Panta Fi was created by Vasiliki Maltsaki and Irini Mastora and is a member of the artistic collective BaGazia AMKE. It has been active in the field of children's theatre since 2011 with puppet theatre performances, workshops, and educational programs. It has presented its works throughout Greece in collaboration with schools, museums, libraries, cultural venues, experimental stages, and festivals in Greece and abroad, such as Turkey, Romania, and China. The group tackles topics related to social issues and universal concerns. They draw inspiration from world-famous myths and fairy tales. Their active performances include "The Selfish Giant," "The Crow," and "Fon Kourabies vs. Count Melomakarone" (by Kyriakos Charitos).

Merlin Puppet Theatre

«The girl with the little suitcase.

Puppet theatre. Duration: 50'. Age: 6+

Friday 17/10/2025, 10.00 AM, 18.00 PM
Labour Centre (Ergatiko Kentro)

The performance

Merlin Puppet Theatre presents its new visual puppet show.

Without text but with the use of dynamic images, music and the symbolic power of puppets and object theatre, the performance is addressed to children and families. It brings to the stage a story about adulthood with a great deal of humour and playfulness; with a poetic approach and complete trust in the aesthetic criteria and imagination of the young audience.

Merlin Puppet Theatre shares six different puppet theatre stories from the perspective of a child about diversity and fears, friendship and solidarity, responsibility and romance, bullying and loss. The “girl with the little suitcase” is the central character in the production. She embodies numerous elements of childhood: innocence, naivety, stubbornness, curiosity, sensitivity and many small-big dreams. She faces new challenges in every scene. With humorous exaggerations and equipped with the above-mentioned qualities, she makes her way. With huge objects that she pulls out of her small suitcase, she turns her toys into clever defending tools with which she transforms reality into beauty.

The group

Merlin Puppet Theatre was founded in 1995 in Athens, Greece, by Demy Papada and Dimitris Stamou. Since then they’ve run hundreds of performances for young and adult audiences in more than 40 countries all around the world. They have been awarded 18 times with all their shows “Clowns´ Houses”, “Noone’s Land”, `Noose`. They’ve participated in festivals, exhibitions, conferences and educational seminars-workshops on puppet creation and play. They run the annual Merlin Masterclasses in Berlin, they are directing puppet shows in collaboration with many puppeteers, offering their experience on the dramaturgy without using text. They have co-operated with a large number of performing artists such The Tiger Lillies, Dirty Granny Tales and Opera Chaotique. They are members of the Greek Puppet Centre UNIMA. Merlin Puppet Theatre lives and works in Berlin.

Puppet Theatre DAVID ZUAZOLA

«The Walker.

Puppet Theatre. Duration: 55'. Age: 10+

Friday 17/10/2025, 11.00 AM, 19.30 PM
Cultural Centre (Pnevmatiko Kentro)

The performance

Once upon a time, human beings were free and walked the world, creating together, united and separated, traveling, settling, and leaving behind seeds in each new land they discovered. They shared knowledge, myths, tales, fears and joys, new ideas and insights. Once upon a time, human beings spread across the world with no boundaries other than winters and summers, mountains, rivers, and seas, deserts and marshes, jungles and swamps. Until the day came when human beings built walls. “The Walker” is a journey of survival that tells the story of thousands of human beings who need to escape from the horror of armed conflict. People like you and me, who lived in the tranquility of their homes and, without warning, had to flee to survive. These thousands of human beings are represented by "The Walker," the main character of this tortuous, difficult journey, full of obstacles, but also a hopeful path that drives immigrants toward new worlds, where modernity, peace, justice, rights, and equality are the goal in order to change their lives. Unfortunately, this society is not what it seems.

The company

Audiovisual communicator, musician, set designer, playwright and puppeteer. With his particular style, David is a puppeteer, winner of more than 20 International awards. After finishing his studies in theater and audiovisual communication in Chile, David went to live in Barcelona and began to work in the Jordi Bertrán Puppet Company. In 2008 he moved to Madrid where he developed his first solo work called “Dirty Wing”, a show that was presented at various festivals in Europe and America, obtaining 5 awards and excellent reviews. Later he joined the Italian company Scarlattine Teatro, to work in different shows. At the same time, he conducts workshops in different countries such as Israel, Mexico, Italy or South Korea. In 2017 he premiered his work "The Game of Time", presented in more than 20 countries, winning 13 international awards. In 2018 he worked together with the Andalusian company “A La Sombrita”, in the creation of “Los 3 Cerditos”, where he explored puppet theatre for children with great success, while touring Spain. In 2020 he joined the Polish company "Unia theater Niemozliwy" and together they created a show full of symbolism, called "Robot", winner of 10 international awards through a long tour around Asia, Europe and Africa. In 2021 he directed the beautiful project “City of lights” presented in different theatres around the world.

The show "The Walker" is presented at the 9th International Puppet Festival of Kalamata with the support of the Embassy of Spain and the Instituto Cervantes.