Need a March break escape for the family? Puppet Festival Mississauga is back for its sixth dazzling year, promising a weekend of world-class puppetry, hands-on workshops, and storytelling that’ll captivate kids, teens, and adults alike.
Running March 14-16 at the Maja Prentice Theatre (3650 Dixie Rd.), the festival transforms Mississauga into a stage for international talent. This year’s crown jewel? Ramayana: Traditional Thai Puppetry, a breathtaking Canadian premiere by Thailand’s Joe Louis Theatre. With its mesmerizing Hun Lakorn Lek puppets, this show weaves an ancient tale steeped in cultural splendor.
Other can’t-miss performances include:
- Giraffe: A Greek tale of a boy and his treasured toy on an emotional odyssey.
- Cuckoo: A massive clock springs to life with quirky, unexpected twists.
- Quest for the Moon: A fox and her pal “Moon” embark on a tender, magical journey.
“Puppetry speaks straight to the heart, no words needed,” said Andreja Kovac, director of Crane Creations Theatre Company, in a statement. “We’re beyond excited to bring some of the planet’s top puppet artists to our city.”
Launched in 2015 by immigrant founders, Crane Creations has championed bold theatre and new talent for a decade. The festival itself kicked off on March 13, 2020—smack in the middle of the pandemic lockdown—pivoting from virtual shows in 2021 to packed in-person crowds by 2022. This year doubles as a 10th-anniversary bash for the company, making it a milestone worth celebrating.
Grab the kids, or just your sense of wonder—Puppet Festival Mississauga is ready to enchant.