ISHARA International Puppet Theatre Festival

"Puppetry is a magic art. It transcends language and connects people through the shared wonder of storytelling."  Jim Henson

A unique array of talented artists and performers from India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Turkey, etc gathered at the ISHARA International Puppet Theatre Festival at India Habitat Centre, on 25th February 2025, to honour the love of storytelling and diversity of cultures. Ms Itisha Sharma and Ms Jagrati Kapoor represented our School at this remarkable event.

The highlight of the event was a puppet show based on the classic tale The Ugly Duckling, presented with a modern twist. The puppeteers used large, beautifully crafted puppets to bring the characters to life. The story integrated contemporary themes, making it highly relatable for the audience.

One of the most striking aspects of the performance was the inclusion of real-life scenarios inspired by social media culture. For instance, certain characters in the story, such as the peacock, hen, hippo, lion, snake, and fox, refused to be photographed with the ugly duckling, fearing that the picture would negatively impact their Instagram followers! This element added a humorous yet thought-provoking dimension to the narrative.

The central theme of the performance was Be Yourself, encouraging self-acceptance and confidence despite societal pressures. The show was further enhanced by expressive voice modulation, engaging music, and lively dance sequences, making it a thoroughly immersive experience.

The event successfully demonstrated the power of puppetry as an effective storytelling medium, blending traditional techniques with modern themes while showcasing the artistic diversity of performers from various countries. This global participation highlighted how storytelling through puppetry transcends cultural boundaries, creating a truly inclusive and immersive experience. It was an enriching experience for educators, providing insights into how puppetry can be used to engage and educate young learners in a creative and meaningful way.