Puppet festival invites you to world of childhood dreams

Nearly 900 performers from puppet theaters in Korea and from overseas have gathered in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province), for a special event -- Chuncheon Puppetry Festival 2013.

A total of 96 puppet theaters, including seven theaters from six countries -- Greece, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, China and Bulgaria -- will participate in the seven-day festival from August 9 to 15 at Chuncheon Puppet Theatre and other venues around the city.

A street performance of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival (photo courtesy of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival organizing committee)

On opening day, a parade will be held on the street around City Hall followed by 200 performances of puppet theaters along with a variety of sideline cultural events.

The festival, which marks its 25th anniversary, will feature performances by international theaters including Nevma Theater of Greece, shadow pupetteer Valeria Guglietti and Herta Frankle Puppet Company of Spain, S. A. Marionetas of Portugal, Bulgaria's Trio Theatre, and Theatre Laotin of China.

"Lemonia" by Nevma Theater of Greece (photo courtesy of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival organizing committee)

"Don't touch my hands" by Spanish puppeteer Valeria Guglietti Cia (photo courtesy of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival organizing committee).

The festival will also feature seven Korean theaters in its official contest program, which includes "Three Little Pigs" by Theater Little Land, "The Salt Puppet" by Theate Ro, Gi,Narae, "Ibulggot" by Gold Snow, "Ha-Lu" by A Company Na-Mu, and "Alice in Wonderland" by Play 21.

(From left)"Ha-Lu" by A Company Na-Mu; "The Salt Puppet" by Theate Ro, Gi,Narae(photos courtesy of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival organizing committee)

A variety of sideline events and programs will be held during the festival. An amateur puppetry competition will be held on August 8 and 9 where 34 Korean theaters will perform. Puppet theater experience programs will let children participate in the performances.

Children participate in a puppet theater experience program of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival (photo courtesy of Chuncheon Puppetry Festival organizing committee).

The festival will also amuse visitors with various night programs, including a magic show by Cheoung Sung-mo, a circus and juggling performance byMarine Boy, a music concert by Rapercussion, and"Camellia"by Theater DOMO, which will be held at 8 p.m. from August 10 to 14.

Tickets for official invitation performances cost KRW 9,000 for advance booking and KRW 10,000 for on-site purchase. Tickets for other performances cost KRW 6,000 for advance purchase and KRW 7,000 for on-site purchase.

More information about the festival is available on its homepage.
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By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
[email protected]