From September 20 to 29, 2019, the World Puppet Theatre Festival will take place in the charming city of Charleville-Mézières and, on this occasion, the event, which is the largest gathering of puppeteers in the world, will celebrate its 20th edition. Whether you are an adult or a child, come and share these 10 days of celebration in the Ardennes, meeting the world's greatest companies and unusual characters who will leave you with incredible memories
A unique festival
Puppets have been around for a long time and in ancient times, it was already possible to attend shows. However, this does not mean that this art has remained stuck in an era, quite the contrary, it has been able to develop and evolve over time to take on the most contemporary forms today. From September 20 to 29, Charleville-Mézières will become a kind of huge castelet, an incredible gigantic stage where companies from all over the world will come to present their shows. Because that is also the strength of the festival, to be a representation of diversity. Thus, you will have the opportunity to see puppeteers from all five continents, with no less than 28 countries represented, including Russia, Senegal, Japan and Finland. Of course, several French companies will also be present and will perform off or via the official programming, with the emphasis on companies from the Far East. A cosmopolitan festival, some performances will be major firsts and we must not forget the exhibitions that will take place here and there in the city. It is well known, in Charleville-Mézières during the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, we are amazed!
An event open to all and that comes to life all year round
What also makes the festival so charming is that it is open to everyone. Adults, children, groups of friends and families who wish to share moments of laughter, joy and complicity around an art that is not banal. In the year of the festival (it takes place every two years) and before the 10 days devoted to the official programme, various events and initiatives make it possible to bring the event to life over time. First of all, there is support for creation through financial assistance and the hosting of companies in residence. In 2018-2019, among the companies supported are Turak, the Antiaclasts, the Karyatides company and La Mâchoire 36. A year before the festival, there is also the J-365 Puppet Weekend and finally, during the year, an important work is done with the public, in order to make them aware of the show, art and culture, in order to make it accessible to all. One of the most beautiful examples is undoubtedly the shows offered to schoolchildren where, from the age of 1, children have the opportunity to marvel at creations adapted to everyone
The opportunity to escape to the Ardennes
The World Puppet Theatre Festival is also an opportunity for everyone to discover Charleville-Mézières during the walks that take you from one show to another. Enjoy the Place Ducale and its incredible architecture, which only make the performances even more beautiful. Take a look at the Maison des Ailleurs, discover the place where Arthur Rimbaud grew up as a teenager. And then take the time to stop in front of the Great Puppeteer, this giant clock located on Winston Churchill Square and which offers the public every day the animated show of 12 paintings that recounts the Ardennes legend of the Four Aymon Sons. This work is also proof that Charleville-Mézières is undeniably the capital of the art of puppetry.
Programme and booking: www.festival-marionnette.com
