Puppet theater festival in Elbe-Elster: magic on over 50 stages!

Puppet theater festival in Elbe-Elster: magic on over 50 stages!

These days the Elbe-Elster region is transforming into a true Eldorado for puppetry fans. The international puppet theater festival will take place here from September 12 to 21, 2025, attracting not only locals but also visitors from far away. Over 50 venues and more than 20 stages in cities such as Doberlug-Kirchhain, Finsterwalde, Mühlberg, Bad Liebenwerda and Herzberg invite you to marvel and dream. From classics like “The Fisherman and His Wife” to contemporary topics like the “Horror of Artificial Intelligence” – there is something for every taste. RBB24 reports.

The festival kicked off with a theater ensemble from Berlin that caused a sensation with their performances. The highlight is the international participation of 24 puppet theaters from Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland, which have now conquered the hearts of the audience. The diverse program ranges from traditional fairy tales and school plays for young people to literary classics and humorous comedies. Everyone really gets their money's worth here. The organizers emphasize that the festival is an indispensable cultural highlight in autumn that also promises a great experience for families.

Artful puppet shows and creative formats

The productions that use a variety of puppet techniques are particularly exciting. The puppets are presented as string puppets, mouth puppets, hand puppets and stick puppets. The artists are placing increasing emphasis on playing with objects and dolls, which gives the whole thing a fresh touch. A notable format is “Smilla and the Whales”, which draws attention to the protection of the oceans and thus also addresses political issues. The piece “The Ice-Cold Hand”, in which the famous Addams Family appears, is another successful example of the successful combination of entertainment and message. According to Wikipedia Puppet theater is not only a form of entertainment, but also an expression of artistic ideas that have been anchored in various cultures for centuries.

The local puppet theater tradition has a very special historical resonance. 250 years ago, families of players moved from place to place in their covered wagons - an impressive connection to the regional history of puppet theater. These roots are also reflected in the diversity and quality of the performances on the festival stages. Old and new mix in creative ways.

Maps and events

Anyone who would like to be transported into the world of puppetry can already secure tickets for the opening, the Long Night of Puppetry and the popular Kasper Café. Tickets are online at www.puppentheaterfestival-ee.de as well as in the museums of the Elbe-Elster Museum Association. This way you can plan a really nice afternoon or evening, whether for children or adults!

The International Puppet Theater Festival is a living testimony to how much joy, art and deeper meaning playing with characters and stories brings into our lives. A good opportunity to discover the wondrous realm of puppetry or simply to immerse yourself in your own childhood again!