The Path to the Puppet: The Puppet Through the Prism of Technology  

The discussion The Path to the Puppet opens a space for a conversation about puppet technology through the eyes of creators who come from different fields of puppetry, all of whom share a passion for creation  and for puppets as a central artistic expression.  In a moderated conversation, we will shed light on the collaboration of technologists or workshops with artists, directors, and animators, present different approaches and technologies, address bad and good practices, and compare the diversity of generations, experiences, practices, or processes from sketch to puppet.

We will explore the process of making a puppet – from the initial idea and sketch, through the choice of materials and construction solutions, to the design of the mechanisms and the final animation on stage. The talk will take us into the world of puppet technologists, where an idea starts to come to life the moment a sketch is put on paper. What is important when interpreting a sketch? How does a puppet get volume, character and movement? And how to reconcile aesthetics with usability on stage?

We will present different approaches, tools and skills that are intertwined in this creative process – from traditional craft techniques such as carving, sewing and sculpting to more modern approaches that include new materials and digital tools.

The talk will offer an insight into the variety of technological paths that lead to the creation of a puppet – an artistic and technical object that only comes to life when it meets the hand of the creator.