International Festival of Contemporary Puppet Theatre Bábkarská Bystrica

About

Bábkarská Bystrica is a platform for contemporary (non-)puppetry, uniting professional artists from around the world. It is the only international festival of puppetry in Slovakia and one of the most renowned, creating a space where professional art meets audiences of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Organised independently since 1994 by BDNR, the festival approaches each edition as a research opportunity into the state of puppet theatre and its relationship with the audience, exploring forms beyond traditional puppets such as shadow theatre, object theatre, masks, and the intersections of puppetry with dance, movement and performance. Social interaction between theatre professionals and the general public is a central element of the festival's programme, which includes creative workshops, lecturer introductions, post-show discussions, and an international colloquium.