Puppet Theater Festival (The Train Festival) 2023Tue
Aug 1 5:30PM

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The Jerusalem Puppet Festival returns to Liberty Bell Park for the 31st time!

For another celebration of exceptional and original shows for children and adults alike.
This year it is dedicated to a subject that fascinates and enchants everyone, at any age – the future.
We’re all curious about it, the kids always wondering what they’ll be when they grow up (and the same goes for adults too!)
The festival will discuss the most notable subjects – the technology that is taking over our lives, the outer space that is becoming closer every day, and the important task of preserving humanity in an increasingly digital world.
The guests of the festival this year will enjoy not only a wide range of artists and fascinating shows, three international projects included, but also a futuristic outdoor complex designed for all ages: A digital theater tour using AR technology projected on the walls of the theater, theater-themed tours around the German Colony, illustration workshop, circus performances, a photo station with live animation and more.
The event will kick off with a colorful and vibrant night at the skate park with skateboard stunts, music, a performance by one of the festival’s international participants, magical light visions, and more. The evening has been carefully planned to give you the sense that the future is already here.

Selected plays to see during the Puppet Theater Festival 2022

Plays for Children

My Grandmother’s Showcase

A show for ages 4-9 that revolves around the showcase standing in Grandma’s living room, containing treasures and sparkling objects, each with its own story.
But now Grandma is sick and everything has to be packed away into boxes.

But just before it all moves to the warehouse, a mischievous snowman escapes the crystal ball he has so far lived in and takes Liat and the viewers embark on a magical journey.
A special and heartwarming show about the intergenerational relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.
Director and actress: Liat Shabtai

When: Monday, August 15th. 16:30 and 18:00

Where: Nurit Katzir Center

Cost: 45 ILS on pre-sale, 60 ILS full price

Cozy one-man band

The cozy one-man orchestra is the smallest in the world – an entire orchestra played by only ten fingers using various objects.
This is the project of Santiago Moreno – a musician and puppeteer who brings the greatest music through the smallest items.
Object theater, without spoken words, is suitable for children aged five and older.

When: Monday, August 15th, 16:00, 18:00

Tuesday, August 16th, 10:00, 16:00, 18:00

Where: The Khan Theater

Cost: 45 ILS on pre-sale, 60 ILS full price

Plays for Grownups

Holiday on delay

A wordless show for ages five and up and the whole family. Exhausted Giselle La Pearl is looking forward to her relaxing day at sea, but things aren’t going her way.
But her unique nature doesn’t let the situation stop her from enjoying new adventures on the beach. A show in the spirit of anti-aging and vintage – juggling, acrobatics, and object theater.

When: Monday and Tuesday, August 15-16, 19:00

Where: Central Theater Square

Cost: Free

Festival Closing Event – Underground Cabaret

On the last night of the event (Thursday, August 18), a special event will be held in the Great Hall Underground, featuring breathtaking performances of clowning, a fascinating contemporary cabaret featuring Yael Weiss, Aviv Horowitz, Sagi Bracha,Rotem Haller and Israel Erlanger, as well as the Davai Theatre Group.

And finally, a pop-up party with DJ Amit Stark.
The evening’s host and artistic director is Israel Erlanger.

When: Thursday, August 18th, from 19:00 and on

Where: The Train Theater, the Main Hall

Cost: 60 ILS on pre-sale, 80 ILS full price