State Marionette Theatre Rezo Gabriadze, Marionette theatre in Old Town, Tbilisi, Georgia.
The State Marionette Theatre Rezo Gabriadze is a puppet theatre in Tbilisi's Old Town that performs with handcrafted marionettes. The figures stand about 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) tall and move with careful control on a detailed stage set.
The theatre was founded in 1981 as an artistic response to Soviet constraints on creative expression. It grew into a space where experimental storytelling could explore subjects that were difficult to address through other art forms.
The theatre keeps Georgian puppet-making traditions alive through its productions, which tell stories that connect viewers to both personal and shared experiences. These performances allow audiences to see historical and everyday moments transformed into moving visual narratives.
The theatre sits in the Old Town and is walkable from most central locations. Visitors should book ahead since performances fill up regularly, especially during peak times.
The puppets are made from materials like paper, wire, and clay that gradually break down during performances. This deliberate decay is part of the artistic concept and represents the natural cycle of creation and dissolution.
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