Amsterdam Marionette Theatre

The Amsterdam Marionette Theatre is an intimate and festive theatre -a former blacksmith's- right in the centre of Amsterdam. It presents a unique form of music theatre: the European tradition of the classical marionette theatre. Wooden actors, in their silk and velvet costumes, present operas and poetic music theatre by various composers like Mozart and Offenbach.

The European tradition of the classical marionette theatre.
Music is the language of the marionette. This applied in the eighteenth century for the marionette-operas which Joseph Haydn wrote for the court theatre of Esterhazy, and it applies today for the marionettes appea­ring in the Amsterdam Marionette Theatre. Five puppeteers manipulate the large, wooden marionettes and the ingenious moving objects and sets.

The Amsterdam Marionette Theatre per­forms for adults and children in its own theatre in Amsterdam, and sometimes abroad (France, Rus­sia, Italy, Germany). On tour, the shows are mostly accompanied by opera singers and musicians. For groups and companies the theatre organises special theatre dinners or High Teas, or a look behind the scenes and in the workshops. The theatre is also a fine location for dinners, receptions, presentations and meetings.

Because of the visual and musical character of the performance, the Dutch language is no great barrier. We advise you to reserve your tickets in advance. The theatre is accessible for wheelchairs (no disabled toilet facilities.)