Norwich Puppet Theatre

Puppet theatre is a theatre of actions, signs and rhythms; the puppeteer is a poet who translates these codes with their hands. This workshop by a master of the Napolitan glove puppet tradition introduces participants to the grammar of puppetry through the popular puppets of Pulcinella and commedia dell’arte.

Over five days participants will explore the following areas:

The puppeteer’s body: physical exercise, posture, breathing, disassociation
The puppet’s body: movement possibilities, practical exercises, posture, breathing, gaze, walks, exploring the stage space
The puppeteer and the puppet: who is directing who?; fixed point (corporal mime); the complicity between puppet and puppeteer; voice
The dramaturgy of Pulcinella: dramatic structures; constructing gags
Making the 'lengueta' (swazzle): method and materials to make a lengueta; practising the lengueta

Luca Rogna has worked in theatre since 1994 as a puppeteer, writer and director. For over 10 years he has been deepening his research into the theatre of glove puppets. For Rogna, puppets are a modern and necessary form of expression. His shows receive critical acclaim and have won prizes in many European festivals.

This masterclass is for professional and practicing theatre makers, puppeteers and performers.