29/05/2026
Last weekend we enjoyed ourselves at the JEM International Puppet festival.
Two years ago I presented a sprawling four-room exhibition, with performance, at Projection room as part of the festival. This year I could return not only as a representative from NVP-UNIMA, and not only as a spectator, but able to experience it through the eyes of my young daughter.
What impresses me about how Théâtre Royal du Péruchet programs the festival is the way they make it feel so personal and family orientated, all the while hosting international performers and guests.
Everything was based conveniently scattered around their own premises and not scattered throughout a city, giving plenty to do and see without the stress of travelling long distances in a rush.
Our two days allowed us to experience the visceral storytelling of Prague based Dafa Puppet Theatre; the endearing and educational storytelling of Hawaii-based Bonnie Kim, The peaceful intimacy of Katanari and her 1-spectator performance; the mechanical wonders of Antwerp-based De Machienerie; the poetic fantasy of Cie Buguel Noz; the wonderfully interactive drawing installation from Theatre du Sursaut, and many more!
Festival lasts until 31 May...
