Featured Puppetry Performances and International Acts
A curated spotlight on the most captivating stories we have brought to the stage. From large-scale global spectacles to intimate hand-rod tales, explore the artistry and emotion that defines our theatre.
We believe puppetry is a magical, interactive art form for all ages. Here, a puppeteer from Russia's 'Theatre in the Pocket' shares a special moment with a young audience member, bringing a beautiful ballerina marionette to life right before her eyes.
Experience the drama and artistry of our own production, 'Be Yourself'. In this powerful scene, puppeteers work together to create a tense encounter between a large, fabric snake and a small bird, showcasing dynamic storytelling through large-scale puppetry.
Welcome to the 'Jukebox', a high-energy cabaret show from Italy. This performance is a feast for the eyes, featuring vibrant dolls and surreal characters in a classic puppet booth, promising a delightful experience filled with music and song.
Sometimes, the most profound stories are told without a single word. This is a moment from 'Life (VIDA)', a moving performance from Spain where the puppeteer's hands become characters, telling a captivating story of life's journey with incredible artistry.
We love to bring awe and spectacle to our stage. The 'Air Giants Circus' from Brazil fills the theatre with wonder, featuring larger-than-life inflatable puppets like this five-metre-tall blue elephant, creating an unforgettable circus experience for the whole family.
The ancient art of shadow puppetry creates a world of stark beauty and mystery. This evocative silhouette is from 'Mamulengo de la Mancha', a clever show from Brazil that uses light and shadow to transport the audience to a different time and place.
The magic of puppetry is a shared experience. This is the view from our audience during a performance of 'Jukebox', showing a packed house completely captivated by the show on stage. We cherish creating these moments of collective joy and wonder.
The Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival is a vibrant celebration of global artistry. This short video gives you a taste of the variety and excitement of our 21st festival, featuring glimpses of incredible puppetry acts from around the world.
About Featured
These performances are the highlights from our annual Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival, traditionally hosted at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Each featured act, whether it is a delicate Russian marionette piece or a grand Brazilian spectacle, is selected not just for its visual wonder, but for its narrative depth. We focus on puppetry that bridges cultures and generations, ensuring that whether it is a classic Panchatantra story or a modern avant-garde production, the show leaves a lasting impression on everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
A Global Stage for Puppetry
For over two decades, our mission has been to demystify puppetry and present it as a sophisticated, modern art form. This featured collection showcases the breadth of our work—from high-energy Italian cabaret and Spanish shadow play to the intricate, textile-focused Indian marionette productions we develop in-house.
Why Our Shows Resonate
We believe that puppetry is a universal language. Our performances move beyond mere entertainment; they are immersive experiences designed to spark curiosity and emotional connection.
- Visual Storytelling: We utilize a mix of rod puppets, glove puppets, and complex string marionettes to tell stories that range from ancient folk tales to contemporary moral dilemmas.
- Production Quality: Our shows are technically rigorous. We use professional lighting, live voice-overs rather than pre-recorded tracks, and custom-built booths to ensure that even at an outdoor event or a school function, the magic feels immediate and intimate.
- Cultural Fusion: We actively integrate global influences with Indian sensibilities. You will often see local textile traditions woven into the design of our puppets, making each character feel uniquely rooted in our heritage.
Bringing the Theatre to You
Whether you are planning a school function, a large-scale festival, or a private celebration, we bring the same level of artistic commitment to every show. Our team includes professional puppeteers, light and sound technicians, and narrators, ensuring a seamless experience. If you are looking for an act that combines technical mastery with heartfelt storytelling, explore our gallery and reach out to us for your next event.
Ishara Puppet Theatre
We are The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, a group of storytellers who believe puppets are the perfect medium to connect people. For twenty years, we have brought tales from across the globe to our Delhi stage, crafting performances that make you laugh, think, and feel.
Looking for a different kind of performance?
Explore our other puppet show formats and interactive workshop options.
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