Live Puppet Theatre Shows in Bengaluru
Experience the magic of traditional puppetry where every gesture weaves a narrative. We bring stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Indian folklore to life through intricate string and rod techniques at our Mandala Cultural Centre.
A scene from our production 'Poetry in Puppetry'. This image captures an intimate moment between two string puppets, showcasing the delicate manipulation and artistry required to convey emotion and tell a compelling story.
Three characters from a folk tale come alive on stage. This performance uses string puppets of varying sizes and designs to represent different personalities, from the portly elder to the energetic youth.
A demonstration of string puppetry during a conference at our Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. An artist skillfully operates two puppets, illustrating the mechanics and grace of this traditional art form.
An artist demonstrates the art of rod puppetry during a conference. Unlike string puppets, these are manipulated from below using rods, a technique that allows for strong, dramatic movements.
A behind-the-scenes look at the puppets for our 'Ramayana Saptaswara' show. This video shows the vast cast of characters, props, and sets waiting in the wings, ready to tell their story.
About Live Puppet Theatre
Watching a performance here is distinct from standard theater. You are observing the result of precise string and rod manipulation, where every gesture is crafted to express specific emotions from our epics. When you visit us at the Mandala Cultural Centre, expect to see more than a show; we often hold short artist Q&A sessions afterward, so come prepared with questions about the mechanics behind the curtain.
At Dhaatu, we treat puppetry as a profound medium to convey the wisdom of our epics. Whether it is a scene from the Ramayana or the Mahabharata, our productions are a blend of visual art, music, and storytelling, using traditional techniques that have been preserved through generations.
The stage at our Mandala Cultural Centre in Talaghattapura allows us to present these stories with authentic theater lighting and professional narration. Visitors often ask about the difference between our methods. String puppets allow for graceful, fluid movements, while rod puppets bring a dramatic, powerful presence to the stage.
We host performances for various audiences—from intimate family viewings to large school groups. If you are planning a visit, look for our upcoming scheduled shows or reach out to organize a private performance. We aim to keep these knowledge systems alive, not just for entertainment, but to provide a genuine cultural immersion for the city.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
I’m Anupama, and I founded Dhaatu to ensure the art of puppetry remains a living, breathing part of our culture. My family and I work to bridge the gap between ancient stories and the modern audience, turning our stage into a space where every puppet tells a story of Bharat.
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