Seville is getting ready to host one of its most emblematic cultural events; the International Puppet Fair, celebrating its 45th edition from May 13th to 25th, driven by the Seville City Council through the Tourism and Culture Area. The program includes more than 35 performances, an exhibition, workshops, conferences, and professional meetings, with scenic proposals that will reach theaters, civic centers, squares, and open spaces in the city.
In this sense, the Delegate of Tourism and Culture, Angie Moreno, has highlighted that «this fair is a living heritage of Seville, a commitment to culture as a tool for enjoyment, learning, and coexistence from childhood to maturity. It has been 45 years bringing scenic art to all audiences, from classic stages to open spaces in our neighborhoods.»
Furthermore, Moreno has informed that «this edition will feature 17 companies from Argentina, France, and eight Spanish autonomous communities. In total, 15 shows with 35 performances will be presented, many of them free, in spaces such as Teatro Alameda, Sala Cero, La Fundición, Factoría Cultural, Alameda de Hércules, and 12 civic centers in the various districts of Seville.»
Among the most prominent titles are Andersen, the ugly duckling (Títeres Etcétera, Granada), A fish in the heart (Mar-Mar Teatro, Basque Country), Hanging by a thread (Pelele, France), The imaginary library (Teatro Arbolé, Aragon), The chattering witch (Katua&Galea, Castilla y León), Wendy also flies (TresGracias, Seville), or the street show The garden of the wind (Cal y Canto Teatro).
The works address topics from emotional education and respect for diversity to sustainability or the search for identity, using techniques such as glove, thread, shadows, rods, object animation, or large-format puppets.
«We want culture to meet citizens face to face. That’s why this fair doesn’t just stay in downtown theaters but reaches neighborhoods, civic centers, squares, where the city’s life really beats. That is also cultural policy: making culture alive, close, not a luxury, but a right,» stated Angie Moreno.
The Fair’s program is not limited to theater performances. The exhibition Behind the mirror with Ángel Calvente, dedicated to the 35 years of the Malaga company El Espejo Negro, can be visited at Centro Cívico Las Sirenas from May 13th to 25th, featuring puppets, posters, sketches, and audiovisual material that reviews a pioneering trajectory.
In addition, two workshops will be held: one for professionals on glove puppets (taught by Paz Tatay from Pelele company) and another for young people aged 6 to 16 on creating sculptures and flying animals, conducted by Cal y Canto Teatro, which will culminate in a nighttime scenic intervention in Alameda.
On May 14th, Teatro Alameda will host a conference on new dramaturgies for children and youth organized by the TIJA Association, and on May 20th, 21st, and 22nd, the RITTO Days will be held, focusing on the challenges of sustainability in the performing arts.
«This fair is also a space for reflection and impulse for professionals. We support creators who bet on new storytelling forms, from local to international, from pedagogical to festive. And we do it with a sustainable and committed look towards the future of the sector,» added the Delegate.
Finally, the Culture Councilor concluded by stating that «the Seville Puppet Fair is one of the most consolidated cultural programs of the City Council, along with the Theater and School cycle and the youth cycle #TEATReVES. In its previous 44 editions, it has welcomed 440 companies from 39 countries, held over 2,000 performances, and gathered more than 800,000 spectators, establishing Seville as a reference city for puppet theater.»
Performances at Teatro Alameda, Sala Cero, and La Fundición will have a symbolic price of 5 euros, while the rest of the program will be freely accessible until full capacity is reached.
Advance ticket sales are available at www.icas.sacatuentrada.es, and also at the box office one hour before each performance. More information: www.teatroalamedasevilla.org.
