About the Workshop
1st International Puppetry Residency in Agios Lavrentios
Intensive Lambe-Lambe making lab
23 - 30 June 2025
Working Language: English, Greek
Lambe-Lambe theater is a unique and intimate style of puppetry that emerged in Brazil in the late 1980s, created by puppeteers Denisse do Santos and Ismine Lima. This form of micro-theater typically features a short performance, lasting one to three minutes, staged within a small box or other enclosed container. Each show is designed for a single spectator, who peers into the box through a peephole and listens to accompanying sounds—music, narration, or dialogue—via headphones.
The performances often tell miniature stories, combining intricate visuals with carefully curated soundscapes to create an immersive and personal experience. Known as **caja mágica** (magic box) or **caja misteriosa** (mysterious box) In some parts of Latin America, Lambe-Lambe theater has gained widespread popularity across the world. Its charm lies in its ability to deliver powerful, evocative narratives in a highly condensed and private format. Lightweight and portable, Lambe-Lambe offers endless creative possibilities.
In this masterclass, the ultimate goal is for each participant to have their own Lambe - Lambe show fully developed and ready to launch by the end of the program.
Katarina will be there to guide you on the history, heritage, and techniques of Teatro Lambe Lambe, before moving on to design and build your very own fully functional Teatro Lambe Lambe, along with creating the miniature puppets and props for the performance.
You’ll also receive personalized feedback and guidance throughout the process, with step-by-step advice on puppet manipulation techniques, the dramaturgy of your story, and how to bring it all together into a captivating performance with the help of Eleni.
At the end, Alexandros will assist you with any technical needs or requirements related to sound and lighting design.
Throughout the process, you'll work towards crafting a complete show ready to be performed. You’ll be taught every aspect of making and performing Teatro Lambe Lambe, from constructing the theatrical box, staging, and set design, to puppet design, puppet building and performance techniques.
Join Us for a Creative Journey – Culminating in a Village Square Presentation!
At the heart of our workshop experience is a magical open presentation in the village square, where everyone will gather to enjoy the fruits of your creative efforts. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your work and share your story with the community.
To make the most of this journey, we encourage you to come with an idea or inspiration for your project. Before the workshop begins, we’ll host a Zoom meeting to help you prepare. During this session, we’ll explore your project vision, your inspirations, and the personal motivations behind your creation.
Masterclass Program Overview
Dive into the captivating world of “Lambe Lambe puppetry” with this comprehensive program, designed to guide participants through every stage of creation, from concept development to performance. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Preparation Session (1st Week of June)
A flexible Online Zoom meeting will be scheduled to ensure everyone’s participation, share important information and answer questions and introduce the program's key elements.
June 23rd: Arrival
Evening: Administration and Introduction
- Administrative tasks and participant introductions.
- A historical journey into Lambe Lambe puppetry through an engaging video presentation.
Daily Schedule:
• 10:30 - 14:30 → Lab Session (4 hours)
• 14:30 - 15:00 → Lunch Break
• 15:00 - 17:30 → Rest/Personal Time
• 17:30 - 21:30 → Lab Session (4 hours)
Note: The schedule is subject to change if necessary.
Days 2-4: Puppet Creation and Artistic Development
Design Essentials
- Explore the foundational principles of puppet design, considering the target audience, performance venue, scheduling logistics, budget, and creative goals.
- Define the vision and framework for your puppet project, setting the stage for the creation process.
Construction
- Dive into material selection and structural assembly techniques to ensure durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal.
- Focus on the practical aspects of building puppets, transforming ideas into physical forms.
Manipulation & Dramaturgy Techniques
- Learn how to bring your puppet to life with expressive manipulation techniques that connect movement to storytelling.
- Develop dramaturgical skills to craft engaging narratives and integrate them seamlessly into your performance.
Sound & Light Design
- Design captivating soundscapes and lighting setups that enhance the storytelling experience.
- Experiment with ways to create mood, atmosphere, and dynamic interaction between puppet and environment.
Artistic Refinement
- Add intricate details to your puppets, from painting and texturing to custom fabrications, giving each creation its unique personality and flair.
Days 5-6: Rehearsals and Performance Preparation
Team Coordination and Movement
- Collaborate with your team to ensure smooth integration between puppeteer and puppet.
- Hone timing, movement, and interactions to create a cohesive and dynamic performance.
Technical Integration
- Rehearse with finalized sound and lighting designs to synchronize all elements of the show.
- Fine-tune the harmony between visual, auditory, and narrative aspects.
Day 7: The Grand Performance
Step into the spotlight to showcase your hard work! Celebrate the culmination of creativity, teamwork, and technical skill in a vibrant performance that highlights the power of puppetry as a storytelling medium.
Reflection and Wrap-Up
- Share feedback and reflections on the experience, brainstorm new ideas, and discuss possible improvements.
- Studio and Workspace Cleanup: Conclude the workshop with a team-based cleanup of the studio and workspace to ensure the area is left organized and tidy.
Day 8: Farewell and Final Cleanup
Goodbyes: Dedicate time for participants to reflect on the workshop experience, share parting words, and express gratitude.
Home Cleanup Reminder: Encourage participants to apply the same team spirit to tidying up their own creative spaces at home, fostering a habit of maintaining an inspiring and organized environment.
