Puppetry Festival begins

The National Puppetry Festival, organised by the Indian Institute of Educational Theatre (IIET), Mysuru, got off to a start at Hardwicke School here on December 19.

Senior theatre director and actor Indira Nair was the chief guest. Noted theatre personality Prasanna was also present.

Prominent puppetry and storytelling teams are participating in the festival, which concludes on December 21. Burdwan The Puppeteers, West Bengal, Talking Turtles Storytellers, Hyderabad, Rangaputhali Puppeteers, Bengaluru, Sanchari Theatre, Bengaluru, Gagan and team, Bengaluru, and Pyooppatree, Kerala will present their shows.

IIET has organised the festival in collaboration with Astikya Foundation with an aim to celebrate, revive, and promote the diverse heritage of Indian puppetry. Puppetry performances, workshops, and interactions by scholars are part of the event. The workshop, being organised since December 16, concludes on December 20.

The festival will conclude with a valedictory ceremony on December 21 at 6 p.m. R. Guru, philanthropist and industrialist, N. Ranga Rao and Sons, Mysuru, will participate as guest of honour.