About the department

Study programmes at the Department of Alternative and Puppet Theatre (KALD) explore the nature of what we call theatre, the ways it can be perceived, its role in modern society, how it can develop and change, and where its boundaries and crossovers are.

The course builds on one side on the long-standing teaching experience of a traditionally puppetry-oriented school, and on the other side works with trends stemming from avant-garde drama and the „open theatre“ movement.

Courses include the teaching of practical skills as well as theoretical and historical understanding of theatre. They explore the original role of drama and revisit the traditional divide of professions within theatre (directing, dramaturgy, set and costume design, acting, music, dance), with a special emphasis on collective work where these professions overlap and blend. This is emphasised especially in the rehearsal process, which is considered the core of the dramatic arts.

These topics are explored in the context of figurative and puppet theatre, DIY, happenings, art performance, dance, modern music and types of theatre (musical, documentary, political, purely physical, ancient, and non-European). However, the place for drama is not necessarily limited to theatre stage. Its principles can be applied in other forms of art and vice versa – drama can draw inspirations from other disciplines. That is why we focus on extending the principles of drama onto such forms as radio, music or experimental film. Inspiration for drama can come from not only dramatic literature, but even for example from scientific discoveries in the field of botany, mineralogy, alchemy, hermeticism, philosophy or psychology, as well as from mathematics, obscure cinematography, novels, poetry, essays, chronicles, jazz, baroque music or heavy metal.

A common territory of studies at the department is post-dramatic, devised, puppet, object and physical theatre. The focus is on posing questions and finding new ways of expression, rather than solely on practicing established techniques. Drama is considered as a constant opportunity to redefine oneself, rather than as a perfectly understood field. If drama is to remain alive, modern dramatic arts must be viewed as a question and not an established genre. Similarly, mastering individual professions such as directing and set design are not in itself the sole purpose of the study of theatre.

In addition to training in drama and performance, a crucial aspect of our study programmes is openness and cooperation in the creative process as well as the sharing of experience and ideas between all students and critical evaluation of one’s own work. Students acquire important knowledge of the history and theory of drama and this context complements the practical skills acquired through drama projects.