Welcome to the 21st edition of the marionNEttes International Festival in Neuchâtel, which will take place from 1st to 10th November 2024.
You will love discovering this unique festival that brings together the best puppeteers from around the world in our beloved city of Neuchâtel. Theatre enthusiasts: this adventure is made for you! This festival invites you to reflect, to dream, and most importantly, to keep your inner child alive. What makes this festival so special is its spirit, combining creativity, emotion, and an exploration of our modern world.
This edition offers seventeen performances. You will be able to explore various themes: such as identity, politics, and even the magic of classic tales reinterpreted in a contemporary way.
The Best Western Premier Hôtel Beaulac Neuchâtel invites you to explore the entire program of the marionNEttes International Festival together.
Are you looking for a place to stay in Neuchâtel during the marionNEttes International Festival? Book your stay now at the Hôtel Beaulac
The highlights of the 21st edition of the marionNEttes Festival
Among the performances not to be missed is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by Compagnie Point Zéro, which revisits Shakespeare’s classic work with extravagant puppets. Expect a poetic staging, full of enchantment, where each character questions love and identity with much lightness and humor. A real delight for theatre lovers who enjoy seeing classics from a new perspective, in a quirky and entertaining atmosphere.
Another show that will touch your heart is “Edith and I” by Yael Rasooly. This Swiss premiere takes you directly into a deeply moving autobiographical story. All between singing and puppetry. The story is poignant and invites you to reflect on healing, love, and… resilience. Every note, every gesture of the puppet echoes difficult moments, but of course also the moments of light that Yael has gone through.
And finally, for those who enjoy darker tales, do not miss “And He Ate Me…” by Vélo Théâtre, a performance that revisits classic tales, between the grandmother and the wolf, with a very interesting visual approach that mixes image theatre and object animation. It is an ode to the power of tales, told with delicate irony that will captivate both young and old alike.
Complete Program of the Festival
The marionNEttes International Festival will take place throughout the Neuchâtel region. You will find the different performances in several emblematic venues such as Théâtre de la Poudrière, Théâtre du Passage, Case à Chocs, and many more.
You will feel as if you are discovering the city in an entirely new way. You can stroll through the streets of Neuchâtel, moving from one performance to another. The program is rich and varied; here it is in its entirety:
Friday, 1st November 2024
- 17:30 : Official Festival Opening – Brasserie du PasSage
A festive moment to kick off the 21st edition with speeches from the organizers, followed by a musical atmosphere to celebrate the opening. - 19:00 : “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – Théâtre du Passage, Main Hall
A poetic reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s work by Compagnie Point Zéro with extravagant puppets, a funny and touching staging.
Saturday, 2nd November 2024
- 11:00 : “The Little World of Puppets” – Neuchâtel Library
Interactive show for children, featuring animations and participatory moments. An experience to discover puppetry in a playful way. - 17:00 : “Arctic Tales” – Maison du Concert
A journey into the heart of the legends of the Great North, where puppets tell funny and moving stories about polar life. - 20:30 : “Five Exhibits” – German Temple, La Chaux-de-Fonds
An experimental performance where contemporary puppets explore questions of identity through five captivating visual installations.
Sunday, 3rd November 2024
- 14:00 : “Arctic Tales” – Maison du Concert (second performance)
Experience the polar legends again for another charming session. - 17:00 : “Somewhere Else” – Grange Delux, Le Locle
A poignant performance that tells the stories of immigrants through puppetry and powerful visual animations.
Monday, 4th November 2024
- 10:30 : “Puppets and Machines” – Collège du Seyon
An educational show exploring the interactions between puppets and ancient mechanisms, aimed at children and families. - 19:00 : “Edith and I” – Théâtre du Passage, Small Hall
The Swiss premiere of Yael Rasooly: an autobiographical story between singing and puppets, full of emotions and resilience.
Tuesday, 5th November 2024
- 15:00 : “Puppets and Tales from Around the World” – City Media Library
A series of short tales from all over the world, told through wooden and fabric puppets. - 20:00 : “Political Puppets” – Case à Chocs
A show that tackles political satire, full of humor and reflections on global current events.
Wednesday, 6th November 2024
- 10:00 : “The Adventures of Pinocchio” – Théâtre de la Poudrière
The reimagined version of the classic tale, for children and adults, full of magic and interaction. - 17:00 : “And He Ate Me…” – Vélo Théâtre, Salle des Parcs
An exploration of classic tales through puppets and objects, immersed in a striking visual universe.
Thursday, 7th November 2024
- 14:30 : “The Garden of Shadows” – Neuchâtel Botanical Garden
An outdoor show, combining shadow theatre and puppets in the beautiful setting of the botanical garden. - 19:30 : “The Spirit of the Forest” – Grange Delux, Le Locle
An ecological tale told with puppets made from recycled materials, raising awareness among young and old about nature conservation.
Friday, 8th November 2024
- 16:00 : “The Secrets of the Old Attic” – Maison du Concert
Dive into the memories of a grandmother, where every object in the attic has its own story, told through puppets. - 21:00 : “Nocturnal Puppets” – Esplanade Léopold-Robert
An outdoor show with a magical atmosphere: luminous puppets dance in the darkness, creating a magical moment.
Saturday, 9th November 2024
- 11:00 : “The Dream Factory” – Children’s Workshop, Théâtre de la Poudrière
An interactive workshop where children create their own puppets and bring their stories to life. - 18:00 : “Family Stories” – German Temple, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Family tales and secrets, explored through large puppets, echoing universal moments of life. - 20:30 : “The Night of Puppeteers” – Case à Chocs
A special evening with improvised performances, where different puppeteers unite to create a unique experience.
Sunday, 10th November 2024
- 14:00 : “The Puppet Ball” – Grand Finale, Place des Halles
A grand parade with all the puppets of the festival, a festive moment to close the 21st edition beautifully. - 17:00 : “Tales of the Unknown” – Théâtre du Passage
The final performance of the festival, blending mystery, poetry, and music for a touching and unforgettable conclusion.
Book Your Stay for the Festival Now!
The marionNEttes International Festival 2024 in Neuchâtel offers not only breathtaking performances but also interactive workshops, meetings with the artists, and outdoor activities. A culturally rich and varied program awaits you!
Reserve your tickets in advance and plan your stay at Hôtel Beaulac to fully enjoy every moment of this unique event!
