A unique performance fusing puppetry and poetry: Touring October-November 2011 (FULL TOUR SCHEDULE BELOW)

The puppets were stunningly beautiful, full of character, and the combination of the sound of the Punjabi and the exquisite design details really brought to life a small corner of the world so far from us in Herefordshire! What a subtle and gentle way to make us open our eyes...

From the mighty and mystical ancient city of Lahore, comes a series of contemporary poems that will delight, intrigue and challenge audiences.

The Fetch will take you on a poetical and visual journey using provocative imagery and words to illuminate the city of Lahore from dawn to dusk.

A stunning, visual, exploration of puppetry and poetry: This performance intertwines two very different art forms and brings them together in an exciting new production that opens a unique window onto the culture, sights and language of Lahore and the Punjab.

Fusing the skills of poet and puppeteer, Basant Lahore brings together the talents of The Fetch’s Artistic Director and puppeteer, Purvin, and poet Mazhar Tirmazi in a funny, moving and illuminating performance.

Workshops available to support performances.

Suitable for audiences aged 11years+
Basant Lahore is sponsored by : Ledbury Poetry Festival
and Arts Council England

Extra downloadable material is also available. Translations of the poems and bi-lingual flyers and publicity material can be found on our Extra resources page here

SOME AUDIENCE/PROMOTER COMMENTS:

When I finally stop being overwhelmed by how beautiful your puppets are, I shall be writing about them....

I just wanted to say thank you for the show last night at Ilkley Lit Fest - it was stunning- the puppets were enchanting and our audience loved it.

..they loved the puppets and the story, it really opened up a conversation of exchanging oral history and heritage, they reminised of their childhood days, flying kites in the Basant Festival and were intrigued and comforted by the puppets.

Fantastic show...its a very unique story and certainly a lot of people in Bradford could connect with it.

BASANT LAHORE! TOUR SCHEDULE - AUTUMN 2011

Wed 5th October   The Courtyard, Hereford      8pm    01432 340 555

Thurs 6th October   Wigmore High School

Fri   7th October   Kingsley College, Redditch

Tues 11th October   Ilkley Playhouse            7.30pm 01943 816 714

Wed 12th October   MIND in Bradford+ Asian Womens Centre, Bradford

Thurs 13th October   Grange Technology College, Bradford

Tues 18th October   Worcester University

Thurs 20th October   The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock  7.30pm  01952 728 911

Wed 2nd November   Netherton Arts Centre, Dudley  1.30pm  01384 812 846

Friday 4th November  Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff  8pm  029 2030 4400

Thurs17th November   Hereford College of Arts

Friday 18th November   The Grove, Malvern 8pm 01544 231579

Sat 19th November   Craven Arms Community Centre 7.45pm 01588 672847

Wed 23rd November   Nottingham Trent University

Friday 25th November   Lacon Childe High School, Cleobury Mortimer

Sat 26th November    The Assembly Rooms, Presteigne  8pm 01544 260 650

Sat 3rd December   Mica Gallery, London 12noon + 3pm 07828 104744

Sun 4th December   Oxford TBC

For further information or to book a performance contact

Based on the traditional Japanese story of ‘The Grateful Crane’ this Fetch Theatre project showcases the style of Bunraku puppetry used within our work. A visual tale, told without words, the performance celebrates puppetry and demonstrates the visual and emotional theatrical pull that this art form has for audiences of all ages. Funny, moving and beautiful the story transports audiences as they interact with the puppets and journey with them to see amazing transformations take place.

The show is performed by one animator who skilfully puts in motion spectacular puppets and props in order to create a simple but unforgettable story.

Technically simple, this 20 minute show both mesmerizse and awakens its audience. Two or three shows can be presented in one day or, the performer can deliver one performance and a puppetry workshop that will give participants an insight into the skills required to operate a Bunraku puppet effectively. The performance can be performed in almost any space so please contact us to talk about your requirements! This performance is suitable for all ages.

The Grateful Crane is available now. To book a performance or to find out more information please call Cindy Watson on 01544 231 579 or email

New information currently being uploaded - watch this space for exciting international developments!