Ljubljana to host Lutka 2026 contemporary puppet theatre festival

The Lutka 2026 festival is set to transform Ljubljana into a hub for contemporary puppet art. Over four days, the event will feature 28 productions from 13 different countries across various venues, including the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, Cankarjev Dom, the Old City Power Station, and Ljubljana Castle.

The program, curated by Uroš Korenčan, Benjamin Zajc, and Marek Bulc, explores diverse themes such as the relationship between humans and their environment, memory, responsibility, and isolation. The festival includes a significant selection for children, featuring 12 productions designed to introduce young audiences to the performing arts through sensory exploration and natural materials.

Notable international participants include the Czech theatre Divadlo DRAK, with a production specifically designed for infants aged six months, and the Canadian group La ruée vers l'or, which will present ‘Odbite arktične zgodbe’, a performance blending puppetry, storytelling, and live music.