From the silent majesty of Indian shadow puppets to the ornate details on Japan's Bunraku puppets and the grandeur of giant puppets in Mexico, puppetry has been used to animate and communicate stories throughout the world.

The art of puppetry did not start with Kermit or Punch & Judy shows. This ancient art form has been an important part of performance, ceremony and celebrations for centuries.  It has a long history in civilization. "The earliest record of a puppet actually performing comes from the Nile basin about six hundred years before Tutankhamen. A 20th century BCE hieroglyphic text described a performance in which a walking statue represented a god. Tombs from the same period contain articulated figurines, sculptures with movable limbs." (Puppetry, A World History, Eileen Blumenthal)  

Modern day puppetry continues to be a thriving medium in which to communicate, entertain and even challenge ideas.  Now virtually every culture has some form of puppetry, and many professionals use applied puppetry in their daily practices.

How are you evolving the art of puppetry?

March is a celebratory month for artists and the performing arts. March 21st marks World Puppetry Day, first celebrated in 2003 to celebrate the history and cultural impact of the art of puppetry. Click here for the International Day of Puppetry statement from Eduardo di Mauro, that Secretary General of UNIMA, Jacques Trudeau sent to all the puppeteer world recently. Eduardo has a rallying call 

"Puppeteers of the whole world, let us confront cruelty, inequality and injustice..."

Then on March 27th, the celebrations continue with  World Theatre Day.

How will you mark these special days?

Tell us your story and send us your photos. We would love to share your creativity! wppuppet@telus.net