International Puppet Theatre Performances
Experience stories from Brazil to Korea, told through the timeless art of puppetry. Our international showcases bring world-renowned artists to Delhi, blending tradition with modern storytelling.
A puppeteer from Italy's Compagnia La Fabiola masterfully handles the strings of a character from 'Pay Attention to Those Two'. This string puppet performance is a hilarious musical adventure about friendship and self discovery.
A scene from 'Pay Attention to Those Two', where a lazy dog puppet is encouraged to perform a trick. This Italian show uses classic marionette techniques to tell a heartwarming and funny story for all ages.
The stage is set for 'Volar Volar (To Fly)', a beautiful and thought provoking journey from Mexico. This wide shot captures the audience's anticipation before Greta the puppet begins her musical adventure.
Puppeteers from Mexico's Lormiga Títeres animate characters in 'Volar Volar'. The show encourages children and adults to observe and question their surroundings, blending entertainment with enlightenment.
Two glove puppets from Taiwan's 'Hiss & Arf' in a comical standoff. This wordless performance uses traditional Taiwanese puppetry to explore the classic, humorous rivalry between cats and dogs.
A puppeteer from 'Puppet On The Workbench' interacts closely with his creations for 'Hiss & Arf'. The show is a testament to how much emotion and narrative can be conveyed through pure skill and wit, without a single word.
A beautifully adorned traditional string puppet from Sri Lanka, showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage. This performance is a visual spectacle of dance and music passed down through generations.
Two male puppets in traditional Sri Lankan attire perform a dance. The show is a vibrant homage to the country's past and present, featuring a variety of characters from folklore.
A scene from 'Petrushka', Russia's most famous traditional puppet show. This slapstick performance, marking 400 years of tradition, features the cheeky hero in a series of comic vignettes.
The cast of Russia's 'Petrushka' engages with the audience. The show is filled with colorful characters and foot tapping music, ensuring a delightful experience for both children and adults.
About A World on Strings: International Showcases
Puppetry does not need a common language to connect us. When we select acts from Italy, Taiwan, or Mexico, we are not just presenting a show; we are opening a door to different cultural rhythms. Whether it is the slapstick humour of a Russian performer or the intricate string work from a Sri Lankan master, you will find these stories speak directly to your emotions without needing a single spoken word.
The global puppet community is vast, and our mission is to bring the very best of it to Delhi. Every year, we handpick troupes from diverse countries, inviting them to the India Habitat Centre to share their unique techniques.
You will experience a mix of disciplines on our stage. We feature traditional glove puppetry from Taiwan that focuses on sharp wit, delicate string marionettes from Sri Lanka that demand immense physical control, and contemporary shadow play from Brazil that pushes the boundaries of light and narrative. These performances are designed to engage both the intellect and the heart.
Do not mistake these for simple children's entertainment. While kids are captivated by the colours and movement, adults find depth in the satire, the philosophy, and the complex mechanics behind every gesture. We prioritise shows that cross linguistic barriers, using music, physical comedy, and visual storytelling to ensure the narrative is understood by everyone in the audience.
If you are planning to attend, our festival takes place annually between February and March. Seating is on a first-come basis, and we provide detailed age-appropriateness tags for every act to help you choose the right session for your group.
Ishara Puppet Theatre
We are The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust. For over twenty years, we have turned our stage into a meeting point for puppet artists from across the globe, believing that a story well-told connects us all. We select every act to spark wonder, bringing you everything from surreal Italian theatre to the rich, textile-heavy narratives of our own traditions.
Explore our other puppetry experiences
We offer everything from intimate workshop sessions to private event performances.
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