Ángel Calvente and his puppet theater play
Original title: Ángel Calvente y su obra para teatro de títeres
Trailer
Synopsis
This Canal Sur news feature provides an behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the theater company "El Espejo Negro." The report visits Ángel Calvente’s workshop, where the puppets for "Óscar, the Sleeping Boy" are meticulously crafted. It highlights the connection between fiction and reality, explaining that the story of a boy in a coma was inspired by real-life events, including the story of a local youth from Málaga. Through interviews and rehearsal footage, the report explores how Calvente blends dark humor with sensitivity to tackle profound themes, showcasing his commitment to elevating puppet theater into a sophisticated art form that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Context & Trivia
This Canal Sur report focuses on the play "Óscar, the Sleeping Boy" by the company El Espejo Negro, directed by Ángel Calvente. Founded in 1989 by Ángel Calvente and Carmen Ledesma, the company is known for elevating puppet theater through provocative, innovative, and technically impeccable shows for both adult and child audiences. Ángel Calvente is recognized as one of Spain's most important puppeteers, and his puppets are a reflection of his creativity and irreverence. He personally builds and designs his puppets, utilizing a variety of materials such as foam rubber, wood, fabric, or iron. Calvente works with actors who manipulate the puppets, seeking professionals with a sense of rhythm and dance, capable of interpreting and bringing the characters to life. The play "Óscar, the Sleeping Boy" premiered in December 2015 in Málaga and received the FETEN 2016 Award for Best Large Format Show. The story of Óscar, a boy in a coma, is inspired by a real-life accident involving a young man from Málaga. El Espejo Negro has garnered numerous awards throughout its career, including several Max and Lorca Awards, establishing itself as a benchmark in the world of puppet theater in Spain and internationally.
Puppeteers
Carmen Calle, Noé Lifona, José Vera, La Pili
Puppet design
Ángel Calvente
Puppet companies
El Espejo Negro
Puppet building
Ángel Calvente
Direction
Angel Calvente
Writing
Ángel Calvente
Do you know more about this work?
Are you credited on this page and want your name corrected or removed? Request it here — no justification needed. For copyright claims or factual errors, use the same form.