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Marionety

A photo essay on the versatile art and rich history of Czech puppetry

Czech puppetry has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Initially, puppets were almost as large as human beings and were used on stage alongside actors. Soon, puppetry became an art form of its own. Families passed down the craf

Bartoňová typically sketches designs for her marionettes on paper, however, she has begun to use digital technology to draw her designs. Bartoňová wants to project the ancient craft of puppetry into the digital age so that the art form can evolve wi

Carving marionettes is a long process. In the early ages of puppetry, puppets were largely faceless and formless, allowing the actor to breathe life into the puppet using movement. Today, marionettes have detailed, humanlike features and intricate c

There are many different types of marionettes. The puppets are typically attached to wooden handles with string, but the number of strings and handles can vary. Puppeteers must learn how navigate each of these marionettes with fluidity.

Loutkové Divadlo Jiskra is the oldest amateur puppet theater in Prague. Miloš Krása, a member of the company, waits backstage before the beginning of the weekly children’s show.

Marionettes are created to mimic human form and allow artists to explore the human condition within performances, microcosms of the larger world.

When performing with marionettes, actors maneuver the puppets from a platform above the stage. At Loutkové Divadlo Jiskra, the platform is very small and crowded. Actors must maneuver their puppets while maneuvering around one another.

The basement of Loutkové Divadlo Jiskra houses hundreds of puppets, many of which have not seen the light of day in years.

Loutkové Divadlo Jiskra is an amateur theater, which means the actors donate their time outside of their jobs to perform. Milada Malá, an amateur actor, grabs onto the cords to control the marionette on stage below her.

Each puppet is unique, exhibiting the distinct styles of the designers, carvers and costumers. Sometimes a single artist will fulfill all of these roles, but more often, the artists work together to achieve their individual visions.

Although puppetry is a historic art form in the Czech Republic, artists continue to pass down the tradition to the new generation in hopes of keeping Czech culture alive.