THEARAPEUTIC PUPPETRY

A puppet is not just an attribute of the art of theatre. Since ancient times, puppet theatre has been associated with the healing power. Many nations used ritual puppets or masks for shamanism; puppets were also used to wake up children throughout the ages. The therapeutic qualities of puppets have been known long ago, yet the term “therapeutic puppetry” came into being only in the early 20^th century.

Specialists from other countries, inducing psychotherapists, psychologists, special and social pedagogues, puppetry artists often resort to different targeted therapy-oriented techniques. In Lithuania, the therapeutic effect of puppet and puppet theatre is also observed and its use is becoming more and more purposeful. Nowadays we can easily access information about puppet theatre studios, puppet making workshops and exhibitions organised under the auspices of libraries, day centres, institutions for children with special needs or the disabled. Research on the impact of puppet theatre belongs to the field of art therapy, as it organically bridges many fields of art (drawing, sculpture, textile, paper, wood plasticity etc.), forms of theatrical expression (live action, word, music, masks, puppets, light, etc.) and therapeutic qualities of games and fairy tales.

The aim of this section is to share information about educating and therapeutic puppet theatre. This is the space for sharing the knowledge, experience, personal achievements, victories, explorations, and publications. This is the forum for seeking theatre specialists’ advice, for learning about creative workshops and training, as well as for making connection with puppeteers who are interested in therapeutic and educational puppetry.