Nearly ten years ago, UNESCO put Czech and Slovak puppetry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Puppetry in these two central European countries is important because it played a crucial role in preserving culture and language during the countries’ national revival movement. This year, the Czech and Slovak Cultural Center of Minnesota (CSCC) is helping to bring puppetry to life by adding two puppetry performances to their list of programming in March 2025. Using a grant received from the Czech government via the Consulate General in Chicago, performances by Maria Černíková (Bio Masha) on March 21st and 22nd will be held at the C.S.P.S. Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota. The performance on Friday evening will be in English for adults and the second performance, on Saturday, will be for children and is bilingual (Czech and English).
CSCC will be a participant at the upcoming Urban Expedition at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, on Sunday, February 23rd, featuring Czech and Slovak cultural heritage. Come and see puppets, including Spejbl and Hurvinek, two famous marionettes who are considered revolutionary and were part of the golden age of Czech puppet theater. This event will also feature a number of Czech and Slovak organizations active in Minnesota that will be presenting their activities, including dance, music, literature, and more.
Puppetry has many advantages for children, including their improved language and social skills, increased creativity, and better motor skills.
Puppet theatre is an integral part of Czech and Slovak local theatre and literary tradition. It also plays an important role in socialization, helping performers to develop as creative thinkers and learn about cooperation, communication and to strengthen their sense of identity in society.*
Please see CSCC’s website for details of the performances and other programming including Literary Ventures and conversation group.
Stop by our table at Urban Expedition!
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