Parliament of Fools

This professional development session was one of PuppetLink's ongoing series of events focussing on puppetry from world traditions. It was held as part of the company's Dynamics 07 International Puppet Festival.

- A Parliament of Fools -
presided over by
Mr Punch (England), Petrushka (Russia) and KaragÖz (Turkey)
Monday 4th June 2007, 10am to 4pm

They’ve lived longer than Dr. Who, survived countless censorship attempts and been the inspiration for opera, ballet, drama, painting, rock music, and graphic novels. Their theatre skills and traditions have been honed over the centuries and are constantly being renewed. Now’s your chance to find out what they do, how they do it – and even why they do it. Join these legendary comic folk heroes from East and West as they meet for the first time to explore a combined heritage of disorder drawn from the British seaside, the fairgrounds of Russia and the cafes of Istanbul.

This one-day event incorporates demonstrations, presentations, Q&A and discussion with leading exponents of traditional street puppetry and the colourful shadow puppetry of eastern cultures. A not-to-be-missed opportunity suitable for puppeteers and all interested theatre-makers.

A Parliament of Fools is part of the Dynamics 07 International Puppet Festival and produced by PuppetLink, with assistance from The Punch and Judy College of Professors, The Festival of Muslim Cultures and Royal Holloway, University of London.

Joining the VIPs (Very Important Puppets) will be:
• ‘Prof.’ Glyn Edwards (UK)
• Cengiz Özek Shadow Theatre (Turkey)
• Tut-i-Tam (Russia)
• with keynote speaker Ki Dalang Dr Matthew Isaac Cohen (Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre, Royal Holloway, University of London) assisted by the wayang kulit tradition’s divine fool Semar.

Venue:
The Parkside Room, Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park,
Birmingham B12 9QH.

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