Established on August 13, 1961, the Pyongyang Puppet Show Troupe debuted by giving an one-act performance King of Dry Field Crops. The puppet shows which were based on old tales gave children correct understanding of the good and the evil, conscience and fidelity. Notably, the puppet play Hungbu and Nolbu won a prize at the 3rd International Puppet Show Festival held in Bucharest, capital of Romania, in August 1965.

In October last, the troupe took part in the Sakhalin Puppet Show Festival held in Russia and left a good impression behind.

Since last February, the troupe has staged puppet shows at orphanages, kindergartens, primary schools in Pyongyang and Wonsan, the Songdowon International Children’s Camp, the Pyongyang Students and Children’s Palace, and other education institutions and extracurricular centres and they were very popular among the children. The small puppet plays Concert of Our Subbranch, Janggo Tricks, A Little Monkey and Interesting Folk Games, and the puppet show Ryongi’s Fist give children delightful and instructive messages.

Choe Man Gum, who directed Janggo Tricks and Interesting Folk Games, says, “We are now trying to make works of simple and instructive value which are best suited to the children’s age and psychological qualities.” Even for a simple work, the artists and actors go a long way—to schools, kindergartens, the Central Zoo and so on, to get materials for complete success.

When they decided to make an animal puppet show, they went to the zoo and met animal keepers to understand the animals’ properties. In some cases, they stayed at primary schools and kindergartens for several days to understand the schoolchildren’s psychology. As part of such efforts, they explored new materials for performance, and developed characterization and stage arts in conformity with children’s mind and feelings, thus their speculation produced a good result.

Meanwhile, the actors, who are in their 20s or 40s and 50s, are devoting all their energies to the improvement of their performing level. Sometimes they play the role of children, and sometimes that of covetous landlords, leaving deep impression.

Among the actors is Merited Artist Hong Ran Hui who is now well over 40. After finishing the course of acting at the Pyongyang University of Dramatic and Cinematic Arts in her 20s, she started her acting career in the puppet show troupe. She displayed her ability to the full in the puppet show The Boy Who Killed a Boa which is a children’s favourite work. 

The troupe produces various dolls, costumes and props to suit the characters. Kim Yong Myong, a property maker, says that even a simple doll should have its nature and character as the puppet show contains an allegorical message. In fact, they are trying to make interesting and funny dolls, and they’ve made more than 700 so far. In keeping with the developing reality, the artists are making various puppets.

The troupe is conducting cultural exchange with foreign counterparts.