Artist Background
Dhann Polnau
I love puppetry because it is a marriage of all the arts--visual
arts, music, dance/movement, poetry and more. The essence of puppetry is
breathing life into inanimate objects, which i find to be a mysterious poetic
act. The transformation of every day "junk" into fantastic art
is a strong component of my residencies.
I have created and taught puppet and mask theater for 14 years, working solo and with "In the Heart of the Beast Theater". In 1992 I wrote, designed and directed "Anaconda", a mainstage "Heart of the Beast" production about rainforests. In preparation I spent 2 months in the Amazon jungle.
More recently I studied with master shadow puppeteers and mask carvers and dancers in Indonesia, on the islands of Bali and Java. This experience has greatly enriched what I offer children.
Teaching puppetry arts to children is the most exciting and fulfilling thing I have ever done. In my experience the arts can provide a vital role in strengthening and healing individuals and communities.
My process is one of discovering and drawing out ideas from children, rather than imposing my own. I provide an environment in which it is nurturing and safe to take risks. For children to create puppets and tell their own stories activate their imaginations, fosters ownership of work and undeniably builds self-esteem.
I teach many different styles of puppetry, which can be adapted to any group size or theme. Most residencies culminate with performances that can become exciting community events.