2 Separate Sessions: Wednesday 26 March & Wednesday 2 April

Workshop 2-7pm. Performance and Q&A: 7.30pm-8.30pm

Background: Based upon bunraku Japanese form of puppetry, the workshop begins with an introduction to puppet theatre and a process of getting to knowing each other. The workshop then looks at story creation and examine the seven basic plotlines, and each group develops one plotline to tell a story. With the help of Helen, you then create the puppet characters and the world of puppets using newspaper and tissue paper, and tell your story. The stories are presented to a live audience.

Helen Sandercoe (Stories That Matter) has been a Drama/Theatre Teacher much of her life including a passion for puppetry including newspaper & shadow puppetry. She has shared her extensive drama and performing practice over many years.

Requirements: Willingness to play, imagine, collaboratively create and perform. No previous experience needed. Comfortable clothes and shoes/runners to move in. It is great to have black pants & top for the performance. Only adult participants as the storytellers need to be able to consider stories that include adult themes.

Workshop Cost: $55/$50 (Commitment from 2pm-8.30 pm) for the day’s workshop. Includes workshop notes, refreshments and dinner. Your confirmation email will include further information.

Performance: 7.30pm Adults only $10/$8 Fringe Members. See the original stories with visual theatre and newspaper puppetry. [warning the stories may involve adult themes.] Afterwards there will be a Q&A led by Workshop leader Helen Sandercoe.

Presented by The Coolroom as part of Castlemaine Fringe Festival 2025

To book just for performance go HERE>