Periplo Marionetas is the artistic partnership of Diana Romero (Madrid, Spain) and Andrés Maturana (Valparaíso, Chile): puppet designers, makers, performers, and storytellers. Before discovering puppetry, we followed different paths—Journalism and Architecture. But when puppets found their way into our lives, there was no turning back.
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As puppet makers, we gradually became involved in audiovisual projects and naturally discovered the worlds of editing, lighting, and video mapping. Within our means, we began pursuing what Richard Wagner described as the Gesamtkunstwerk (1849): the “total work of art” where music, dance, poetry, painting, sculpture, and architecture come together as a single artistic experience. We encountered this idea more directly through the work of the contemporary theatre artist Robert Wilson.
Through this ongoing exploration, we have developed a distinctive approach that combines light, moving images, puppetry, and the performer. Our aim is to create visual, immersive, beautiful, and sometimes unsettling experiences that engage the audience’s senses and imagination.
Much of this research has focused on puppetry for adult audiences. Although the results have been artistically rewarding, we have often encountered the persistent perception that puppetry is primarily a form of theatre for children.
In any case, we love making a living through puppets. We love travelling, spending time in the workshop, experimenting with materials, exploring new techniques, and telling stories that entertain, inspire, and perhaps contribute, in some small way, to the world we live in.
Our journey began in 2003, although it was not until 2009 that we officially became Periplo Marionetas. Since then, our productions and creations have included:
- International festivals: FIROBI Barcelona (Spain), Titirimundi Segovia (Spain), FIMFA Lisboa (Portugal), FIB Brasilia (Brazil), Umore Azoka Leioa (Spain), AR.CA Palencia (Spain), FIMO (Portugal), Tampere B. Happening (Finland), Bristol Festival of Puppetry (UK), BITCE Fortaleza (Brazil), International Beatleweek Liverpool (UK), Festival Mondial de Théâtre des Marionnettes Charleville-Mézière (France), Festival d’Aurillac (France), MIMMOS (Portugal), RIMA Abatta (Cote d’Ivoire)…
- Schools Touring Programme: Northern Finland Schools, IES Comunidad de Madrid (Spain).
- Music videos: Selig (Universal, Germany), 4 Gatos (Avispa, Spain), Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull (Universal, Miami).
- Advertising & TV Commercials: Hema (Netherlands), Optimus (Portugal), Scalpers (Spain).
- Theatre Productions: Hermosa Jarifa (GG Distribución), Ayahuasca (LetsGo Company).
- TV Programmes and Series: El Hormiguero (Gestmusic, Spain), Tu si que vales (Mediaset, Italy), Brassic (Sky TV, UK).
Experience & track record
Festivals and International Touring
The company has developed an extensive artistic career through participation in some of the most renowned puppet theatre, street theatre, and performing arts festivals in Spain, Europe, and Latin America. Its work has been presented at major events such as the Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes in Charleville-Mézières (France), Titirimundi International Puppet Festival (Spain), the International Theatre Biennial of Ceará (Brazil), International Beatleweek (Liverpool, UK), the International Puppet Festival of Ovar (Portugal), the International Bonecos Festival of Brasília (Brazil), the Aurillac International Street Theatre Festival (France), as well as numerous festivals and cultural circuits throughout Spain.
In recent years, the company has maintained a strong presence in festivals and cultural events across Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Brazil, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Puppet Design, Construction and Performance
The company has extensive expertise in the design, construction, and manipulation of puppets for stage productions, television, advertising, and audiovisual projects.
Notable collaborations include puppet construction and performance for the television series Brassic (Sky Max, UK), the theatrical production Ayahuasca (Letsgo Company), La Hermosa Jarifa, premiered at the Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival, as well as advertising campaigns and music videos for internationally recognized brands and artists such as Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull, Optimus Portugal, Scalpers, Hemma (The Netherlands), and the German band Selig.
The company has also contributed to large-scale public events, including the Three Kings Parade of Fuenlabrada (Madrid) in collaboration with the French company Aerosculpture.
Cultural Production and Festival Management
Alongside its artistic activity, the company is actively involved in cultural production and management. As a member company of UNIMA Madrid, it has participated in the Artistic Committee and production team of the Titirimadroño International Puppet Festival of Madrid across several editions.
The company has also conceived, directed, and coordinated its own cultural initiatives, including the Expanded Performing Arts Showcase, selected by the Art for Change programme of Fundación “la Caixa”, the Marionetistas Festival, and FESTÍN, the Puppet Festival of the Sierra Norte region. These projects reflect a strong commitment to cultural development, community engagement, and the promotion of puppetry and street arts.
Education and Training
Education and knowledge-sharing are key aspects of the company’s work. Its members have delivered specialised training in puppet construction and manipulation for both professionals and young audiences.
Highlights include teaching the String Puppetry monographic course within the Specialist Degree in Performing Arts (Puppetry and Object Theatre) at the Centro del Títere in Madrid. The company has also developed workshops, educational programmes, and creative camps for children, families, and emerging artists, promoting artistic expression through puppetry and visual theatre.
Original Creations and Artistic Research
Throughout its career, the company has created and toured a diverse repertoire of original productions combining visual theatre, puppetry, music, and street performance. Notable works include [R]Evolution: The End of Tomorrow, What Is a Monkey Doing in the Forest?, Periplo Varieté, Cabaret Rock and The Laboratory of Doctor Jack.
These productions have been presented in theatres, festivals, and public spaces across Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and several Latin American countries. The company has received recognition including the Audience Award at the International Street Artists Competition of Aranda de Duero (Spain) and special jury mentions at specialised performing arts festivals.
Special Commissions and International Projects
The company has been commissioned to create site-specific and tailor-made productions for cultural institutions and major events. A recent highlight was the creation of a bespoke itinerant performance for the inauguration of the Dresden Puppet Theatre Museum (Germany).
Its international activity includes tours, artistic collaborations, and co-productions throughout Europe and Latin America, consolidating more than two decades of experience dedicated to the creation, research, and promotion of the art of puppetry.
