Hoops and Loops is a puppet and multimedia production about the Spartakiad, infinity, and life in Czechoslovakia during the normalization period. The production combines two-dimensional paper puppet theatre in a classic peep box with complex technologies. This results in a unique combination of live puppet animation and machine precision.
“The technological level of production, combined with live acting, can provide the viewer with a completely new perspective on the possibilities of puppet theatre,” says Marta Hermannová.
Hoops and Loops is set in the period of normalization in Czechoslovakia and thematically focuses on the characteristic features and the atmosphere of this era. An important theme is the Spartakiad and its significance for the socialist society at the time – whether real or portrayed by the totalitarian media. The production has no language barriers and is accessible to a wider audience.
Dominik Migač is an actor, artist, and experimenter in the field of object, material, puppet, and multimedia theatre. He graduated from the Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre at DAMU (Divadelní fakulta akademie múzických umění v Praze / The Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague). As a creator and performer, he has already attracted attention with several projects, such as the production Prefaby, which was named the Puppet Production of the Year by Divadelní noviny. In his work, he focuses on innovative technological approaches and combines various forms of theatrical expression. He specializes in miniature puppets and themes from the second half of the 20th century.
Marta Hermannová studied directing and dramaturgy at KALD DAMU (Katedru alternativního a loutkového divadla / Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre), but during her studies she took a significant number of acting courses. After her studies, she spent two seasons as an actress at the Lampion puppet theatre in Kladno. She works as an actress and singer in the Veselé chvíle ensemble.
Jan Pichler is an actor and puppeteer. He graduated from the Secondary Pedagogical School in Prachatice and then began studying drama acting at the DAMU in Prague. From there he transferred to the Higher Vocational School of Acting in Prague-Michle, where he successfully graduated, and then went to worked as an actor at the Lampion theatre.
