The Sugarkneaded by the Visual Puppet Theatre “Prassein Aloga”

In The Sugarkneaded, Emmanouela Kapokaki, an artist with all manner of awards, distinctions and international collaborations to her credit, continues her personal exploration of the relationship between actor and puppet.

In the work, which is based on a fairytale from the Mani in the Southern Peloponnese, she plays Tarò, a woman who moulds her beloved “a life-size puppet” exactly as she wants him out of edible materials. But reality will be harsh on the young lovers who dare to turn their backs on their conservative society: Tarò and her beloved will be parted only to meet again after the heroine has completed a perilous journey of self-knowledge.

Throughout her journey, body and puppets proceed side by side, symbolizing relationships and expressing emotions. Three-dimensional figures, mechanical toys and glove-puppets come to life and accompany Tarò on her quest, while the stage sets play an integral part in the action as they are transformed along the way to reflect the young woman’s dreams, desires and fears. Everything comes together to create a magical atmosphere which captivates and entertains the audience.

Supported by Onassis Cultural Centre
The Prassein Aloga company is funded by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture & Tourism

Based on Mani’s traditional fairytale “Taro and the Sugarkneaded”, transcribed by Athena Biniou.

VISUAL PUPPET THEATRE “PRASSEIN ALOGA”
“Prassein Aloga” (whose name means ‘to act irrationally’ in ancient Greek) is a theatre company situated in Athens, Greece. Emmanouela Kapokaki, graduate of Ecole Supérieure Nationale des Arts des Marionettes at Charleville-Mezières, France, founded  “Prassein Aloga” in 1997.

It produces Visual Theater performances, aimed at all ages, with especial importance on the aesthetics of its performances. The productions do not approach the audience in the same way as the theatre of the spoken word; instead, the puppet theatre uses the language of the image, the symbol and the archetype to present an original spectacle in which actor and puppet interact.

The company is subsidized by the Greek Ministry of Culture, has accomplish 15 productions in various theatres (within the National Theatre of Greece, Onassis Cultural Centre)

International Festivals participations:
–    CAIRO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL FOR EXPERIMENTAL THEATER SEPTEMBER 1999 (NOMINATED FOR BEST ACTRESS)
–    DEUTSCH GRIECHISCHES KOLN, MARCH 2001
–    EUROPEAN PUPPET FESTIVAL GANT, BELGIQUE 2000
–    INTERNATIONAL PUPPET FESTIVAL, ROUMANIE 2006, (PRICE OF AUTHENTIQUE SCENOGRAFIE)
–    VALISE PUPPET FESTIVAL, LOMZA, POLAND 2007