Puppet Notebook: The BrUNIMA Journal of Puppetry Arts
Exploring the Art, History, and Innovation of Puppetry
A Brief History of Puppet Notebook
Puppet Notebook, the journal of British UNIMA, was founded in 2004 under the editorship of Eleanor Margolies. In her first editorial, she outlined the mission of the journal as being “dedicated to international dialogues and conversations”, brimming with “sparkling articles, photographs, drawings, and interviews about puppets and animation past and present.” Under her stewardship, the journal flourished, becoming a vital publication in the field of puppetry.
In 2012, Tim Butler Garrett and Shaun May began alternating as editors, and in 2014, Tim took over as sole editor. His first issue featured his favourite puppet theatre maker, Richard Teschner, coinciding with a major exhibition of Teschner’s oeuvre at the Wien Theatermuseum.
The Scope of Puppet Notebook
Puppet Notebook maintains a broad scope, welcoming contributions from academics, writers, practitioners, and performers. Over the years, we have published articles by esteemed theorists such as Kenneth Gross and Penny Francis, practitioner-theorists like Matthew Isaac Cohen, and members of renowned puppetry companies including Green Ginger, Faulty Optic, Blind Summit, and Improbable Theatre.
The journal has also welcomed guest editors for special themed issues:
2012 – Martin Reeve focused on Mr. Punch’s 350th anniversary
2016 – Jungmin Song dedicated an issue to Shakespeare and Puppets for Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary
Content and Submission Guidelines
Articles in Puppet Notebook range from personal insights and interviews to critical explorations of historical and contemporary puppet practice. We aim for a balance of perspectives, incorporating both practitioner and audience viewpoints. Additionally, we invite reviews of recent productions and books relevant to the puppetry world.
Submission Guidelines:
Articles and essays: 2,000 words (negotiable)
Production and book reviews: 500 - 1,000 words
Publication and Availability
Puppet Notebook is published twice a year, featuring news, features, reviews, and interviews on puppetry and animation in theatre, film, and art worldwide. Each issue includes specially commissioned photographs, drawings, and articles from international correspondents, as well as a diary of upcoming performances and workshops.
The journal is available from selected bookshops and theatres and is sent free to British UNIMA members.
Please contact editor-in-chief Tim Butler Garrett as soon as possible at tbutlergarrett@hotmail.com to discuss proposals.
Past Issues through the archives
A Look Back Through the Archives: Issue 1 of Puppet Notebook
Welcome to a special edition of Puppet Notebook, where we take a moment to look back through the archives at our very first issue. In this inaugural edition, we introduced readers to the world of Shadow Theatre through thoughtful articles, interviews, and expert insights. Here’s a quick revisit to the artists and writers who helped set the tone for the …
A Look Back Through the Archives: Issue 2 of Puppet Notebook, Spring 2005
In this special edition of Puppet Notebook, we’re diving into the archives to revisit our second issue, originally published in Spring 2005. Titled Movement, Change & Translation, this issue explored the dynamic themes of transformation, cultural exchange, and the fluid nature of puppetry across different contexts. From examining the impact of language …
Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 3 – Living Traditions
Exploring the Archives: A Glimpse into Puppet Notebook Issue 3
Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 4 – Puppets Leading to Other Worlds
A Journey Through Puppet Notebook Issue 4, Winter 2005: Exploring the Boundaries of Puppetry
Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 5 – Puppetry at the Crossroads of Art
Exploring the Artistic Crossroads of Puppetry: A Look Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 5
Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 6 – Calling Out Around the World
Calling Out Around the World: A Look Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 6
Looking Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 7 – New Life for Old Things
Reviving the Past, Documenting the Present: A Look Back at Puppet Notebook Issue 7
Stay Tuned
Each issue of Puppet Notebook continues to uncover new perspectives, historical insights, and creative developments in puppetry. Whether you are a practitioner, scholar, or enthusiast, there’s something for you in every issue.
BrUNIMA members receive Puppet Notebook for free.