Tsil Puppet Studio Brings Laughter and Culture to Syunik: A Magical Journey Through 14 Villages

This summer, our beloved Tsil Puppet Studio, based in Gyumri and proudly financed by Lorik Fund, brought smiles, stories, and song to the far southern reaches of Armenia. Over the course of eight days, the troupe traveled through 14 villages and towns in the Syunik region, sharing the magic of puppet theatre, traditional Armenian culture, and hands-on creativity with hundreds of children and families.

A Journey Through Syunik's Villages

From remote mountain communities to historic towns, here’s where our puppeteers and artists made their mark:

• Day 1 – Syunik & Adzvanik

• Day 2 – Yeghvart & Ajanan

• Day 3 – Lijk & Lehvaz

• Day 4 – Nrnatsor & Garjevan

• Day 5 – Meghri City

• Day 6 – Karahunch & Vorotan

• Day 7 – Khnkoresk & Verishen

• Day 8 – Goris City

(Apologies to our supporters – we initially announced 15 villages, but completed 14 visits due to logistical changes.)

Puppet Theatre: Classic Tales & Cultural Celebrations

At the heart of our tour were two joyful performances:

🎭 The Three Little Pigs – a timeless children’s classic brought to life with colorful puppets and whimsical storytelling.🎭 Paregentan – a uniquely Armenian production celebrating our rich traditions, humor, and festive spirit.

Children watched wide-eyed, laughing and clapping as puppets danced across makeshift village stages. For many, it was their first live theatre experience.

More Than Just Puppets

Our mobile cultural caravan didn’t stop at performances. Each visit also included:

🎨 Arts & Crafts Sessions – Local kids created their own puppets, painted masks, and explored traditional Armenian motifs.🧵 Embroidery & Rug Weaving Workshop – Led by artisans, children learned about the intricate patterns and techniques passed down for generations.🕺 Armenian Dance & Song – Villages rang with the sounds of folk songs as children and adults joined hands in traditional circle dances.🎲 Traditional Games – From competitive rope skipping to old village pastimes, our team brought fun, physical activity, and laughter.

Free Arts Education for All

Tsil Puppet Studio offers free classes to over 100 children year-round in Gyumri, nurturing creativity and providing a safe, joyful space to learn. This Syunik tour is just one example of how we're committed to sharing this opportunity beyond city borders – with remote communities that often lack access to cultural programming.

Thank You

This tour was made possible by the generous support of donors and volunteers who believe in the power of the arts. Every stitch of embroidery, every puppet’s dance, every smile – it all happened because of you.

Stay tuned for more updates from Tsil Puppet Studio and our expanding outreach efforts. Together, we're building a more vibrant, connected, and creative Armenia – one village at a time.