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Puppetry



For many Slovakian and Czech communities, puppet theatre isn't just a popular form of traditional entertainment, but also a means of presenting a vision of the world, and an educational tool that relays moral values.

The Slovak Republic became independent in 1993 after the Austro-Hungarian Empire disintegrated and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which had integrated Slovakia, collapsed. Ján Strazan (1856-1939) is known as the first Slovak puppeteer, who presented panoramas and gymnastics exercises using string puppets and rod marionettes. He founded a family of artists, whose descendants continue to perform in puppet theatres of Slovakia today.

Since communism took over in the 1950s, amateur puppeteers founded the first professionally produced puppet theatres, while itinerant companies were banned due to their private nature. The 1970s were a time of great innovation in Slovakia's theatres, particularly in terms of dramaturgy, scenography, and staging.

Since then, around fifteen independent puppet companies have emerged, often performing for children. These puppets are made from wood and animated with various methods. Traveling puppeteers practiced this method, and their works later absorbed local influences in language and themes using primarily comical figures with distinctive characteristics.

The puppet theater is an integral part of local Slovak and Czech theatre and literature, helping participants develop as creative thinkers, and to reinforce their sense of identity within society. Puppet theatre also plays an important role in socialization, as the performers learn about cooperation, communication, and identity development.

Seen along with other traditional rituals and festive events, such as feasts, markets, and fairs, puppet shows today take many forms, but remain traditional. Performers, playwrights, puppeteers, and costume designers contribute to these shows. Performer communities transmit skills by emulating and practicing, while in Slovakia, traditional puppetry dynasties also transmit skills through workshops run by not-for-profit organizations and art schools.

As of 1995, Slovakia also has a Museum of Puppetry and Toys, which is situated in a baroque chateau in the town of Modrý Kameň. The museum houses 3,000 puppets. The Slovak UNIMA Centre, the Civic Association "Bábkové divadlo na Rázcest" (Puppet Theater at the Crossroads), and the Theater Institute in Bratislava hold biennial competitions for best puppet theater productions.

Today, there are five international puppet festivals in Slovakia, in Banská Bystrica, Nitra, Zilina, and two in Bratislava. In addition, each professional theater of puppets presents its artistic results in a festival on its own.


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