Les Mains en l'Air - Festival of Puppetry Arts

Puppetry Arts in the Spotlight in Finistère

Les Mains en l'Air is a unique festival in Finistère, entirely dedicated to puppetry arts. Every autumn, the town of Guilers, on the outskirts of Brest, transforms into a true open-air theater where puppeteers, performing arts companies, and visual artists gather to celebrate this ancient art revisited by contemporary creation.

Shows for All Ages

The festival's program is aimed at all audiences, from toddlers to adults. The invited companies present various forms: string puppets, glove puppets, shadow theater, animated objects, giant puppets, and hybrid forms blending visual arts, music, and storytelling. The shows take place in several emblematic venues in the town: the Espace Jean Mobian (Margodenn hall), the Halle Baucina, and the exhibition hall. Some performances are free, while others are accessible at very modest prices.

Workshops, Exhibitions, and Meetings

Beyond the shows, the festival offers puppet-making workshops led by professional artists, allowing children and families to discover this fascinating art. Exhibitions created by students from Guilers schools showcase the mediation work carried out throughout the year. The Apéros Marionnette (Puppet Happy Hours), moments of conviviality shared with the artists, complete this immersion into the world of puppetry.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Created in 2018, the Les Mains en l'Air festival is supported by the City of Guilers and the Compagnie Singe Diesel, in partnership with Brest métropole, the Maison du Théâtre, and Le Quartz, a national stage in Brest. In just a few editions, it has become a must-see cultural event in the Brest region, attracting a loyal and growing audience. The festival contributes to the influence of puppetry arts in Brittany and promotes the democratization of this often-underestimated art form.

A Commitment to Contemporary Creation

Les Mains en l'Air stands out for its support of contemporary creation in the field of puppetry arts. The invited companies, from all over France, present innovative forms that push the boundaries of traditional puppetry. The festival has thus become a place for discovery and experimentation, where the public can appreciate the richness and diversity of this constantly evolving living art.