The event positions itself as a queer, feminist, and activist platform that uses the imaginative space of puppetry to explore identities and stories that defy rigid categorization. Organizers state the festival's mission is to challenge and deconstruct binary thinking—divisions such as man versus woman, human versus animal, and nature versus capitalism.
In a statement, the festival described these boundaries as 'instruments of power, linked to exclusion, discipline, and destruction.' The 2026 program, 'The Nature of Things,' aims to explore fluidity and transformation, presenting narratives and bodies that exist outside of dominant structures.
The festival is led by artistic directors Cat Smits, a theatre maker and puppeteer, and Berith Danse, director of Plein Theater. The six-day program includes five premieres, four of which are international productions, alongside talks, community gatherings, and club nights.
Key Program Highlights
The schedule features a diverse mix of performances, discussions, and social events:
- International Premieres: The lineup includes several Dutch premieres, such as Body Concert from Lone Wolf Tribe (USA), Germany's Duckie L’Orange & Die Puppenspieler with Verbotene Lieben 3000, and Queere Tiere by Soya the Cow & Piano Prince from Switzerland.
- Talks and Discussions: The program incorporates critical conversations, including a talk on indigenous rights and decolonization with Teatro Walabis (Honduras) and another on the state of queer rights in Hungary with Bori Oláh-Bebesi.
- Community Events: A 'Queer Easter Brunch' is scheduled for Sunday, April 5, alongside a film screening by Filmhuis Transketeers and an opening night exhibition by Queer Gallery.
- Music and Socials: The festival will feature DJ sets and dedicated time for drinks and socializing, aiming to foster a community atmosphere.
A Glimpse at the Schedule
- Wednesday, April 1: Festival Opening & Exhibition 'In Touch' by Queer Gallery, followed by the NL premiere of Body Concert.
- Thursday, April 2: Premieres of Pleasure Parts (for de(con)struction) and Verbotene Lieben 3000, with a talk on the 'Nature of Things'.
- Friday, April 3: A talk on indigenous rights and decolonization, followed by the performance En god zag dat dat het bijna goed was….
- Saturday, April 4: Film screening of Soya & Piet by Filmhuis Transketeers and the NL premiere of Queere Tiere.
- Sunday, April 5: A special 'Queering Easter' program with a Queer Easter Brunch, a talk on queer rights in Hungary, and the NL premiere of Raíz de la Ceniza.
- Monday, April 6: A full-day masterclass in puppetry with Thommy Kraft.
The Queering Puppets Festival is a co-production by Plein Theater and Cat Smits Company. For the full schedule and ticket information, please visit the official Plein Theater website.
