This September, the world’s most influential contemporary puppet theatre event — the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes in Charleville-Mézières, France — will spotlight the vibrant and diverse world of Baltic visual theatre as part of its main programme.

A curated selection of performances, exhibitions, lectures, and a spirited club night will bring the artistic voices of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the heart of the festival, offering audiences a rich encounter with the region’s innovative approach to puppet and object theatre.

The Baltic Focus programme includes work from both national and independent companies across the three countries. Estonia will be represented by the Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences with Transport: Frontline and The Boy and the Butterfly. From Latvia, the Latvian Puppet Theatre will present Siberian Haiku, while the independent Gertrude Street Theatre will bring Wood Paths. Lithuania's contribution includes Choice by Vilnius Theatre “Lėlė”, Transport: Fasten Your Seatbelts! by Klaipėda Puppet Theatre, and The Lion and the Bird by Kaunas Puppet Theatre.

The off-programme adds further dimension with Hearts & Chimneys by Kaunas Psilicone Theatre, Disappear by Aistė Marulytė, and The Fly, the Cockroach and the Spider by the Estonian Theatre for Young Audiences.

In addition to performances, the subprogramme includes lectures delving into Baltic visual theatre and three exhibitions that explore shared and contrasting artistic perspectives across the region.

The Baltic focus will culminate on September 23 with a joint Baltic Club Night, where contemporary Baltic musicians reinterpret their national folklore through bold, experimental sound. The evening will feature performances by Silver Sepp (Estonia), ZeMe (Latvia), and thelastsunday x Jausmė (Lithuania).

The 23rd Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes will take place from September 19 to 28, 2025, in Charleville-Mézières, France.

The project is co-funded by the Baltic Culture Fund.