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Reportage 2000

Ángel Calvente and his puppet theater play

Original title: Ángel Calvente y su obra para teatro de títeres

Children'sFantasyDrama

Trailer

Play

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

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