Kathputli Performances on Global Stages
I bring our traditional Rajasthani Kathputli to audiences across the world. From festivals in Spain to cultural centers in Brazil, these puppets tell our ancient stories to new friends everywhere.
A poster from the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona, announcing our performance at the International Puppet Festival. It was a special occasion for us.
A feature on our work in a Spanish newspaper. It talks about our traditional puppetry and our participation in a cultural exchange with Spanish puppeteers.
The brochure for the 'Bonecos de Todo Mundo' puppet festival in Brazil, where we performed the story of Amar Singh Rathore.
Performing at the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona, Spain. The dark background of the theatre makes the colours of the puppets stand out beautifully.
A close-up of a female puppet, captured during our performance in Spain. Each puppet's face is hand-painted to give it a unique expression and character.
A romantic scene from a puppet show, showing a king and queen. These moments are created with delicate movements of the strings.
This is a unique character puppet, a strongman or a wrestler, showing the variety of puppets we use to tell different kinds of stories.
A self-portrait taken backstage in Barcelona, surrounded by our beloved puppets. They are like our family, especially when we travel.
Sitting outside the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona before a show. We travel far and wide to find new audiences for our Kathputli art.
The schedule from the festival in Brazil, listing our show 'Amar Singh Rathore'. This historical tale is a classic of Rajasthani puppetry.
About Taking Kathputli to the World
When I travel to perform in places like Barcelona or Brazil, I carry the same wooden puppets my father carved, adapting my storytelling so new audiences can feel the soul of Rajasthan. It is not just about the show, it is about proving that our culture is alive, whether I am speaking in Hindi or performing through strings that need no translation.
Performing on international stages, such as the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona or at the Bonecos de Todo Mundo festival in Brazil, has taught me that the language of art knows no borders. People often ask how a traditional Indian puppet show translates to a foreign audience, but the answer lies in the movement. When I manipulate the strings, the puppet does not just mimic a dance; it expresses joy, pride, and sorrow in ways that anyone can understand.
The Logistics of Tradition
Taking our theatre abroad is not like packing a modern prop. Every puppet is a piece of family history, carved from wood and dressed in traditional textiles. We maintain the integrity of the performance by using live, acoustic music wherever possible. In Spain, we performed classic tales like Amar Singh Rathore, relying on the rhythm of the Dholak and the power of our storytelling rather than modern microphones or digital effects.
Why Global Exposure Matters
I take my puppets to schools and festivals in France, Germany, and beyond not just to perform, but to educate. There is a hunger in the world to see 'living' heritage. When I teach a workshop to a student in a foreign university, I am ensuring that the knowledge of how to carve a face or paint an expression does not disappear. My mission is to show that Kathputli is a vibrant, breathing art form, not a relic of the past. Whether it is an intimate gathering or a large cultural event, the goal remains the same: to share the beauty of our parampara with the world.
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