2016 was a special year for us. We turned 18 and we got our own new space to further explore our puppetry encounters. Our space is at the Southern border of Delhi, 12 kilometers from the city centre. The population around is dense and semi urban.
2016 was a special year for us. We turned 18 and we got our own new space to further explore our puppetry encounters. Our space is at the Southern border of Delhi, 12 kilometers from the city centre. The population around is dense and semi urban.
These are the programs the space is currently supporting or planning to support
Mentorship Program -
In December 2017 we kick start our artists mentorship program with the mentoring of young directors from across India by the Director of Helios Theatre in Hamm, Germany, Barbara Kolling. Barbara will mentor 5 young Indian directors in creating 5 new performances using material only.
These are the programs the space is currently supporting or planning to support
Mentorship Program -
In December 2017 we kick start our artists mentorship program with the mentoring of young directors from across India by the Director of Helios Theatre in Hamm, Germany, Barbara Kolling. Barbara will mentor 5 young Indian directors in creating 5 new performances using material only.
Providing a platform for professional puppetry training is one of our key focuses. After the Intensive training Program the Residency provides a space to continue and learn the ropes while working on projects. The most valuable result of our residencies has been the long term relationships built with puppeteers and artists across fields and regions. For young artists it is a glimpse into a working puppet theatre learning many practical aspects of managing a group, organising rehearsals and the brass tacks of creating and mounting a show. For an international intern there is the added aspect of experiencing puppetry in India. For all puppeteers there is the unique opportunity to interact with and create art for the local community around the studio. This occurs through Sunday Club and open days.
How to apply?
Applicants need to send their portfolio and a proposal and a statement of purpose (not more than 500 words) to Katkatha. The statement must include a brief description of their interest and previous experience in puppetry and the purpose of joining the residency.
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Who can apply?
Any individual adult may apply for a residency. Some previous knowledge of and experience in puppetry is a must and a desire to engage in puppetry professionally is important.Residents have to pay for the materials and resources they use, stay and food which is specific to each application. Katkatha will be happy to assist any candidate in any way such as applications for scholarships for supporting their internships. Residents are responsible for their travel in New Delhi. Katkatha will also assist in finding a place to stay in the city (in case the Katkatha space is unavailable),with puppetry resources in the city and with any other aspect of stay. Katkatha can sometimes provide support for interns who are from a financially disadvantaged background. If the intern travels with Katkatha on a project as a collaborator, Katkatha will bear all travel and living costs.
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Duration of Residency
Minimum 4 weeks. Residency applicants need not have any experience in puppetry and all applications will be equally considered.
Residents may choose one or both ways of working with us.
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They may join an existing project of Katkatha, choosing what role fits their skills and interest.These may include joining backstage in performances,joining rehearsal processes or following the creation of a new production from beginning to end as an assistant in the production work, following a community based project from planning to execution stage. Their roles can be mutually agreed on in advance and interns.
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The second model is where the intern creates their own projects or performances with the guidance of team Katkatha. This may include the creation of a show, installation,or a puppet film. This can include special classes in learning to make puppets and being mentored in this process. These may also include undertaking a research project or working in the neighbouring community to create a project with the community members and stakeholders. For any special classes or training the resident may have to pay for the class and materials.
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Previous residencts & their projects
Eric Finck from the US became one of the puppeteers and puppet makers in our production Gulbadan during the duration of his 3 month internship.
Camille Venelueva from the US worked on a school production with team Katkatha as costume designer.
Maggie Winston from Canada brought her own idea and created a show at the Katkatha workshop with help from the Katkatha team to construct her puppets.
Frida Leon from Switzerland and (Prohelvetia artist-in-residence), directed Swiss Box with team Katkatha.
Lotte Van Den Berg directed Gopi Gyne, Bagha Byne with team Katkatha.
Namrta Kaushal from Delhi set up a project for children where they learn more about the food that they eat and its journey from the fields to their plate.
Laura Van Dijk of Belgium conducted research on Katkatha's community projects based on gender and health.
Shravana Heggodu and Raghuvendra from Heggodu and Sagar in Karnataka stayed in Katkatha studio for two years and made a show called Dinosaur with the team, co-curated an exhibition called the Elements and participated in many school workshops.
Maneesh Pachiaru became a part of an international mentorship and ended up making a production named Wool Symphony. Later he joined Unima Puppeteers Trust's Foundation course in Puppet theatre and is now Katkatha's core team member.
Suhail Parrey joined Katkatha in 2020 and assisted in making puppets and documentation for Katkatha's latest production i.e. Arabian Nights. He also documented the Art of Healing Project in Pulwama, Kashmir.
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