Paper Theatre, Origins to Present Day
Touring
The exhibition features pieces from the private collection of Alain LECUCQ and Narguess MAJD, one of the richest and most varied collections in Europe. It aims to introduce and to show the limitless capabilities of paper theatre.
Alain LECUCQ, historian, practitioner and one of the innovators of this technique, has gathered a great variety of forms from the beginning in the early 19th century to the present day.
The historical section consists of items from almost every city in which paper theatres have been printed.
The 1980s saw the emergence of a wider interest in reinventing paper theatre, both for adults and children. The artists who took it up came mainly from the fields of puppetry and the visual arts. They are discovering a technique that develops a powerful imagination in audiences. Many creators around the world produce paper theatre shows, even if the majority are not devoted to this art form. Here are a few specialist companies: Papierthéâtre and Théâtre de Table (France), De Paper and Tras la Puerta (Spain), Urich Chmel's Papiertheater (Austria), Great Small Works and Microscope Toy Theatre (USA), A Tarumba (Portugal), Haas and Barbara Steinitz (Germany). Young artists are also beginning to make a name for themselves: Viviana Amaya (Mexico), Noamí Lazzari (Italy), Mahee (Iran), etc.
2011
Paper Theatre
Born presumably in 1811 in England, paper theatre spread all over Europe and was considered a family show until the beginning of the 20th century.
About thirty years ago, after being neglected for a while, paper theatre found new life through artists around the world who addressed both children and adults.
Contents
The first part of the exhibition is related to the history, presenting documents of the technique's development at the beginning of the 19th century, the first paper theatre sheets and a full English theatre.
The second part presents documents on productions and the development of the contemporary paper theatre through workshops and events. It includes videos of shows for children and adults, as well as examples of school workshops. Presented materials belong to either Papierthéâtre's collection or the exhibited companies. If the exhibition room is equipped with closed display cases, it is possible to add more objects and books to the documents.
Form and Space
The exhibition is made of six rectangular prisms of 1m L x 1m W x 2m H. All presented documents and supports, including the video screens are installed inside these boxes.
The exhibition needs a 200m2 space, however it is possible to have this surface in more than one room.
Production: Papierthéâtre & Smurfit Kappa
Coproduction: Pays d'Epernay - Terres de Champagne, Municipality of Epernay, RITP, World Puppetry Festival of Charleville - Mézières
Supported by: Ministry of Culture, Champagne Ardenne Region, Marne Department
