Nomadic Puppet Theater: Rooted in Qatar, Open to the World
What happens when two creative women meet in Qatar, a country rich in tradition and cultural exchange? They create something truly special — a children’s puppet theater that combines art, education, and multicultural storytelling. Today, we meet Victoria Vardi, the founder and Marketa Wright, the artistic director of Qaboom — a unique, nomadic puppet theater that’s bringing people together, one performance at a time.
Why is Qaboom called a nomadic theater?
“Qaboom is called a nomadic theater because we don’t have a permanent stage. We perform in schools, festivals, cultural centers, and private events, adapting to different spaces and audiences. Like nomads, we carry our stories with us, sharing them wherever we go.”
How many people and puppets are in your ‘caravan’?
“Our ‘caravan’ changes depending on the performance. On average, our team includes 7–8 people, including actors, a director, and a technician. We also bring around 6–10 puppets, stage decorations, and light and sound equipment. Traveling light ensures we’re always ready for the next adventure.”
What do you aim to convey through your performances?
“Our mission is to tell stories that spark imagination, encourage empathy, and teach values like collaboration and respect for nature. Through non-conflict storytelling, we create narratives that are engaging and meaningful for children from diverse backgrounds.”
Who brings your puppets to life?
“Our puppets are brought to life by a talented, international team of actors, puppeteers, directors, composers, and designers from Qatar, Europe, Asia, and beyond. This diversity enriches our stories and brings unique artistic styles to each production.”
What’s the best feedback you’ve received?
“The best feedback is when kids don’t want to leave after the show and ask us to perform it again. And, of course, when organizers keep inviting us back, building long-term collaborations.”
Where can people see your performances?
“Our theater is truly nomadic — from schools and festivals to private events, we bring our shows to where the audience is. In the future, we plan to perform in Qatar’s museums and Novo Cinemas to reach even wider audiences.”
What language do your puppets speak?
“Currently, our shows are in English, but we’re working on Arabic adaptations. Regardless of language, we rely on music, emotions, and visual storytelling to ensure everyone can connect with our performances.”
