Puppetry as a Global Practice

Public Lecture as part of the One World Festival: The power of puppetry.

In this presentation, Dr Matt Smith, an internationally recognised expert on puppetry, will take you on a journey across the globe. This discussion will look at the impact of puppetry and the ‘puppet moment’ that is seeing puppetry taking centre stage across the globe. Matt will look at all kinds of puppetry in theatre and non-theatre spaces and explore the power of this art form.

He will investigate when puppetry is used to help people in situations that are not so theatrical, in what he has termed Applied Puppetry. This newly developing global practice works in educational, therapeutic and community spaces. Matt will also look at the hopeful story of how puppetry is continuing in some very challenging spaces, like the current war in Ukraine. He will also bring some of his entourage of puppets to meet you in the lecture space, and you can see how a puppeteer brings life to performing objects.

Schedule for the evening:

• 17:30 - 18:30 - Public Lecture presented by Dr Matt Smith.
• 18:30 - 18:45 - Q&A with the audience and meet Dr Matt Smith's puppets.

Accessibility and special requirements: We will endeavour to provide particular access requirements on request. If you have any access requirements, e.g. wheelchair access, hearing loops or specific neurodiverse requirements, please get in touch in advance of the event.

Any questions you may have, please contact dri@port.ac.uk