Puppetry Festivals in Croatia and Bulgaria

Posted by Amanda Kendle Aug 28, 2006

I admit: I'm not always quite aware of what I'm going to find when I travel. This is often a wonderful way to do it - walking into the middle of the Sahara Festival in Douz, eastern Tunisia, was one thing that really worked out well for me. But being prepared could be better, and it's our job to help you know what's out there.

Puppet shows - for adults and kids - are not something I'm normally interested in at home. But on my travels I've come across some incredible talent and entertainment, and in September a lot of these imaginative people and their puppets are getting together, first in Croatia and later in Bulgaria.

From 1-8 September in Zagreb, Croatia, the 39th annual International Puppet Theatre Festival takes place. Across the theatres and the streets of Zagreb, puppeteers from dozens of nations will perform a range of plays, from very traditional through to out-there experimental. Two major prizes are awarded, to the most popular show (as voted by children) and to the best overall play, awarded by an international jury. The special feature country this year is Slovakia.

Then head north-east, for the International Puppet Theatre Festival in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 17-22 September. Plovdiv's ancient roots are a great setting for this entertainment and plays are performed in an ancient Roman theatre - this time for the 10th year.