Festival highlight: International puppet theater returns to Leipzig!

Festival highlight: International puppet theater returns to Leipzig!

In less than two weeks, Leipzig will once again become a center for puppet theater and puppetry when the festivalFIGURE IT OUT!opens its doors from June 18th to 22nd, 2025. This international puppet theater meeting, organized by the Alliance of international production centers for puppet theater, promises an exciting mix of performances, workshops and discussions that celebrate the diversity and creativity of puppet theater.

The festival traditionally takes place inWest wing Leipzigtakes place and offers a diverse program that brings together both established and emerging artists from all over the world. This year, ensembles likeWild & BirdandLehmann and Wenzelfrom Leipzig, duringGrupa Coincidentiafrom Poland andGolden Deliciousfrom France are represented. A very special production should not be missing: the Indian co-production“Sesame–ಲ”of the Ranga Shankara theater from Bengaluru brings a breath of fresh air into the theater landscape. There is also the German premiere of“The real fake object theater conference”on the program, a joint project byVelo TheaterandGare Centralefrom France and Belgium, which features an impressive roster of artists.

A look behind the scenes

The specialist exchange that will take place during the festival will also be particularly exciting. On the three days after the evening performances there areTable talks, in which artists and experts discuss the performances and the state of international puppet theater. In the morning they willMorning sessionsoffered that deal with topics such as language and cultural barriers as well as the challenges of international cooperation.

The festival not only highlights the art of puppetry, but also the difficulties that international artists face. The impact of political conflicts on the arts scene and the challenges of programming in an international context are just some of the significant topics up for discussion.

Networking and interdisciplinary collaboration

In addition to the artistic program, there is a networking program for the international puppet theater scene, which offers artists and professionals the opportunity to make contacts and exchange experiences. Not only should creative ideas be born here, but strategies should also be developed in order to actively shape the future of puppet theater.

Tickets are already available for anyone interested in this special event. AFestival passcosts 55 euros, individual tickets are available for 20, 15 or even 10 euros. Online booking is easy via the website www.westfluegel.de.

Especially at a time when cultural encounters and transnational cooperation are extremely importantFIGURE IT OUT!more than just a festival - it is a sign of hope and creative development in puppet theater. The well-curated program promises not only great performances, but also an enriching exchange about the art form, which plays an important role in many cultures around the world.

The festival is waiting for all art enthusiasts who don't want to miss the unique stories and fascinating productions of the puppet theater!