Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage in 2016, Czech puppetry is one of the most popular leisure cultures in the Czech Republic which holds 200 years of history. Puppetry served as a network of communication between cities in its early days. There were many famous puppeteers such as Jan Jiří Brát (1724-1805) and Matěj Kopecký (1775-1847). It is deeply engraved in the lives of Czechs to the extent that each household bought and enjoyed puppetry in the early 20th century.
Have you ever wondered how a tree can deliver all kinds of emotions such as joy and sadness to the audience? A puppetry is made with efforts from many people, and they are not only the puppeteers behind the stage, but also puppet sculptors with great handcraft skills, puppet painters who breathe life into wooden puppets, stage designers who make a beautiful stage, and directors who direct stories and performances.
For the successful exhibition of Korea–Czech international exchange “Secrets of Wooden Puppets – Czech Marionettes,” a total of 126 puppets, 24 stages, and props will travel 8,260 km to Korea all the way from the Czech Republic. Both countries have prepared this exhibition to overcome the difficult situation brought about by the pandemic since last year and give hopes to all the people around the world.
The exhibition features from Czech troupes in the 18th century to puppets, theaters, and animations in the 20th century when Czech puppetry flourished. Furthermore, with rooms featuring puppet carpentry, creating real sounds, and offering hands-on experiences and playground, this exhibition is open to all children and even adults.
Everyone is invited to watch the Czech puppetry.
Let’s gather around and enjoy the show.
55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03177, Korea
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