Who better than the puppet to startle us awake? Who better to shake us free from the mire of our daily living and stir the deep knowledge of our shared humanity? The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a celebration of the interconnectedness between people, objects, cultures, and countries. This 8th edition of our Festival is, as always, chock full of astonishing revelations and delightful insights about our selves and others, revealing what it means to be human.

This year you have the opportunity to see the hero in Ram (About Ram), the strength in Nora (A Doll’s House), the brutishness of Roald Dahl’s Crocodile (The Enormous Crocodile), ribald rompings (The Sex Lives of Puppets) alongside stories told from the U.S. in the ignited vision of a NY widow (Harlem Doll Palace), a post war, orphaned girl’s survival (The 4th Witch) a visit to a scifi author LeGuin’s 1960s genderless planet (The Left Hand of Darkness), and the rhinoceros’ journey (Rhynoceron).

Additionally you will find a small collection of short-form, stop-animation puppetry films. This object focused adjacent form provides its own unique wonder and enchantment. While world-renown artists bring Chicago master classes, panel discussions, exhibitions and more.

Step inside and enjoy the glow!