Tampere-based Teatteri Mukamas organized the MUKAMAS 2026 – International Puppet Theatre Festival from September 16 to 20. Held since 1999, the festival brought together top Finnish performers and hosted international guests from Canada, France, and Iceland. The event served as a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity of puppet theatre and the artistry of its creators. Creative ingenuity and playfulness were central to every performance. Gently shaken out of their routine, audience members experienced the tangible joy of sudden insight and discovery.
Icelandic artist Aude Busson’s Manndýr gathered the audience into a shared “nest,” with everyone receiving a wishing stone as a memento. Amidst delightful storytelling, the Canadian collective La ruée vers l’or’s Arctic Tall Tales illustrated the importance of human care in the demanding conditions of the Arctic. Two of Finland’s most internationally acclaimed productions—Grus Grus Teatteri’s Näkymättömät maat (Invisible Lands) and Company Portmanteau’s Piste, piste, piste (Dot, Dot, Dot)—came to Tampere. Both productions tour the world extensively and are rarely seen in Finland. Näkymättömät maat portrayed the refugee experience with striking intimacy, deeply moving the audience. The festival also featured the premiere of Anne Välinoro’s Liina-tango (Scarf Tango), a touching piece depicting the various “scarves” or threads that weave through our lives.
The festival culminated in a wonderfully well-attended Children’s Sunday, which filled the yard of Teatteri Mukamas to capacity with a delightful atmosphere. The final performance of the festival was Portmanteau’s Piste, piste, piste at the Hällä Stage. Audience members described the show as a magical experience and the perfect finale to a wonderful festival. A sense of community that transcended language barriers was felt among the audiences.
The festival is a unique cultural event in the Pirkanmaa region. It is the largest provider of international children’s programming among the events held in Tampere. As Finland’s longest-running puppet theatre festival, it hosted a total of 32 events at Teatteri Mukamas, the Hällä Stage, Culture House Laikku, Haihara Puppet Theatre, and the Henneri Play Centre. Open-to-all side events included a lecture, free performances at Laikku, and MUKAMAS Music evening.
Deeply moved by the magnificent performances and touching encounters, the team at Teatteri Mukamas extends its heartfelt thanks to all festival visitors, audience members, and partners. 
Photo: Sigurður Gunnarsson
Aude Busson / Manndýr