Campaign Story

About Us

Our group consists of three members: Erza, Brikena and Ylber. All three are performers and puppeteers. Ylber is a professional actor with previous experience in puppet theatre; Erza is an art lover and puppet enthusiast, and Brikena is a musician and works part time in a kindergarden where she teaches music. All members of the group combine inexhaustible passion for theatre and love for children, along with professionalism in play and storytelling.

The puppet theatre

is a universal invention that can be found in almost all world civilizations. Apart from its entertaining aspect, puppetry  plays a meaningful role in the education and upbringing of children. The puppet theatre has survived in time, too. However, although puppetry continues to be an important part in the entertainment and education of children all over the world, not even a single established puppet theatre can be found here in Kosovo. Given the lack of public spaces and the scarcity of extracurricular educational programs for children, the necessity for revitalizing a puppet theatre in Kosovo becomes even more pressing.

The advantage of The Ambulatory Puppet Theatre

is its mobility and versatility. The theatre can be improvised in any space, wherever there is a considerable group of children.

Our group has experimented with a Puppet Theatre in the past. In 2012, we have had the opportunity to stage a play called “Loni and his friends” for all pupils from elementary schools. This project was realized in excellent cooperation with all the teachers and school administrators in the municipality of Gjakova. All performances were conducted within certain school premises. Aside from that, we have also staged another play  at the public theatre in Gjakova called “The Lost Faith”. Both plays have had an extraordinary success.

What was made clear to us then, and what now has morphed into commitment and dedication is that children love play and enjoy the puppet theatre.

The key reason that forced us to interrupt our activity back then was the lack of financial sustainability. Being unable to equip ourselves with new puppet characters and other necessary requisites that are crucial to conducting the performance, we were not able to continue with our work. However, taking into consideration the joy of children and the direct invitations from school workers, we have decided to revitalize our project guided by the mission to attain a sustainable and longstanding puppet theatre.

The new play and the tour

This year, we are preparing another play that consists of few of the most beautiful stories from La Fontaine. The play will be combined with certain educational messages that concern the environment and the society in general.

We believe that with your generosity and your support, we will be able to bring this project to reality and stage this play not only in Gjakova, but throughout Kosovo. In collaboration with school administrators of respective municipalities, the play will be staged in 30 places all over Kosovo: Mitrovice, Podujeve, Gjilan, Ferizaj,Vushtri, Istog, Pejë, Kaqanik, Artanë, Shterpcë, Kamenicë, Decan, Dragash, Drenas, Junik, Fushë Kosovë, Kastriot, Leposaviq, Klinë, Malishevë, Prizren, Skënderaj, Zubin Potok, Viti, Suharekë, Lipjan, Zveqan, Prishtinë, Gjakovë.

Performances will take place in closed spaces or in open spaces, depending on the weather and in accordance with the agreements with respective schools.

According to our calculations, this play could be enjoyed by approximately 3000 kids all over Kosovo. All children shall be able to watch the show for free.

Our long-term objective is for this theatre to be permanent. Furthermore, we are determined to revitalize the Puppet theatre of Gjakova and we are also ready to train and prepare future actors and storytellers so that the theatre can be passed through generations.

Children are the most precious and vulnerable members of our society. Therefore, The Ambulatory Puppet Theatre calls for the entire community of Kosovo Ideas, all the art lovers out there, philanthropists and our fellow citizens, to help us in making this project possible.

The funds raised will be used to acquire the crucial materials for puppets like: sponges, textiles, certain professional puppets, brochures, lighting devices and other stage accessories; and also travel expenses and remuneration for actors.

Budget

Insurance and car registration:                                                                       250 Euro

Fuel used for transportation:                                                                           245 Euro

Materials (sponges, textiles) and certain professional puppets:                     300 Euro

Audio player and other stage accessories:                                                     100 Euro

Brochures:                                                                                                       100 Euro

Meal Expenses:                                                                                               260 Euro

20 Play:                                                                                                         1’400 Euro

10% creditcard-, banktransfer- and  platform fees:                                          295 Euro

Total:                                                                                                             2’950 Euro