If you thought puppets were entertainment for children, then visit Charleville Mezières in France for the bi-annual World Puppet Festival and you will realise how serious are the puppeteers about their craft. Puppeteers from around the world nearly take over the town for the 10 days giving demonstrations that range from string to glove puppets, from shadow to Bunraku, from real objects to onscreen, from small intimate forms to giant puppets, exploring and experimenting with techniques and styles, etc. Photographic exhibitions, window displays, performances, and street entertainment create a carnival atmosphere. Charleville Mezières is now known as the World Capital of Puppetry Arts; the Institut International de la Marionnette and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette are located here. Since 1980, the town is also the headquarters of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette.
What: World Puppet Festival
When: September 18-27, 2015
Where: Charleville Mezières, France
Contact: www.festival-marionnette.com/en