The Concept

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand modern life performance – Can it get any worse today? In this never-ending tragicomedy we all play the main part and the script is unfortunately written by anyone who feels like it – climate crisis enthusiasts, masters of political chaos, economy destroyers and, of course, pathologically optimistic mass media which, given the chance, would constantly announce, “Good news! Today a catastrophe has been averted, but keep calm – it’s on its way.”

So here we are, standing on this wobbly foundation – like a tourist who first set foot on a moving staircase. Familiar feeling, right? One foot is already in motion, the other one for some reason is not and the next thing you know – you’re falling on a total stranger in front of you, who is highly upset by the fact that his coffee is now on your snow-white shirt.

At this moment we realise the horrible truth – we are not in control of anything. Nobody is. Except for cats, maybe. Cats understand everything, but say nothing. It’s just a little joke.

But let’s go back.

So, what should one do when the world looks dark and hostile? When it feels like there is no way out, that there is no point in doing anything, because why bother? We’re glad you asked! Because that’s where art comes forward. Art cleanses our soul and brings back emotional balance. We are representatives of the puppet theatre, so OF COURSE we choose puppetry of all other art forms. Because puppet theatre is fabulous! The world of puppets and objects allows us to better understand and take a different look at our own world. We don’t encourage anyone to run from reality, no way! However, we do encourage to take a break in this time of information overload and find belief that our efforts are not in vain. That if all of us put even a little effort, then somehow – SOMEHOW – everything will be alright.

We will invite everyone to various performances about people who find hope and a way out, when the whole city is destroyed to the ground; performances where characters overcome their hubris, turn to nature and unite their effort in rescuing it; performances where a person finds strength to conquer the darkness within and returns to life; performances that will remind us to find beauty beside all the horrors, even if it’s just for a brief moment.

And that is why we are eagerly waiting for you to come to the festival! Not because we want to trick you into joining some odd art cult (although it’s not a bad idea), but because sometimes it’s necessary to step back and take a look at things from a different angle, thinking, “What if it’s not that bad? Maybe we can still work our way out?”

Because that’s what we know for sure – the light always follows the darkness! The darkest hour is just before the dawn! After every bad decision – okay, it’s usually hangover, but you get the gist.

So see you at the International Puppet Theatre Festival Materia Magica! Maybe it can get better after all!