Dafa was initiated in 2009 dedicated to the promotion, preservation of Puppetry art. In 2015 two graduates of the prestigious Academy of Performing Arts (DAMU) cofounded, Prague-based theater company Dafa Theater. At Dafa Theater, warmth isn't just a word—it's the very essence of our identity. Rooted in the Arabic word "Dafa," meaning warmth, our theater is founded on the principles of inclusivity, hospitality, and the transformative power of human connection. We believe that art has the remarkable ability to bring warmth to people's hearts, fostering a sense of home, belonging and shared humanity.
Dafa Theater acts as a vibrant object and physical theater lab, a touring theater, cultural preserver and knowledge platform.
We explore the capacities of object theater in expression, innovation, communication and its potential to challenge stereotypes, transcend boundaries and foster meaningful dialogue.
To enchant, enrich lives, inspire, foster connections and educate audiences through the artistry of puppetry and spark meaningful dialogue.
Dafa Theatre strives to preserve, innovate, create highly crafted unforgettable experiences that inspire, educate and enchant audiences worldwide. To be recognized as a global leader in puppetry, a hub of creativity and learning, a cultural ambassador, renowned for our artistic excellence, innovation, and commitment to engage communities in visual storytelling that transcends boundaries. We envision Dafa Theater leaving a lasting legacy of artistic innovation, cultural enrichment, and inspiration. We aspire to be remembered not only for the productions we create, but also for the lives we touch and the stories we share. Our vision is to spark imaginations, ignite passions, and leave a lasting imprint on the world of puppetry for generations to come. Together, we journey towards a future where the magic of puppetry knows no bounds, and where the stories we tell continue to inspire and enchant audiences for years to come.
Our core values:
We offer a variety of programs, including theater labs, residencies, workshops, theater productions and short films. Our experienced artists are passionate about helping students develop their skills, and our performances provide opportunities for students to showcase their talents.
Our Expertise:
Innovation and Inspiration: While rooted in tradition, we embrace innovation as a driving force in our mission. We continuously push the boundaries of puppetry, exploring new techniques, technologies, and artistic approaches to create contemporary, dynamic and engaging experiences that resonate with audiences. We produce and create performances and short films. Furthermore, we are invited on a regular basis to take part at international festivals in Europe, South East Asia, the Arab world and the USA. We initiate multidisciplinary productions and collaborations. We combine principles of biography, devised, musical, physical theatre, dance, puppet/object theatre, and multimedia to build exciting puppetry productions based on both fiction and documentary, not only to entertain but to inspire, educate, raise awareness and provoke questions to open dialogue on crucial social and cultural themes. Not only that, but we believe in the power of puppetry to captivate the imagination and transport audiences to magical realms. Through our enchanting performances, we seek to create experiences that leave a lasting impression, sparking wonder and igniting the creative spirit in people of all ages. Central to our mission is the belief that art has the power to inspire, uplift, and provoke thought. Through our thought-provoking productions and engaging storytelling, we aim to inspire audiences to see the world with fresh eyes, to explore new perspectives, and to embrace the beauty of diversity and imagination.
Education (Training and Capacity Building): Dafa Theater yearns to spread puppet art, promote object and physical theatre in education, and awareness, challenge stereotypes, and connect people through theatre. We are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for puppetry with future generations. Through our educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives, we strive to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts, nurture creativity, and empower individuals to express themselves through storytelling and performance. Dafa focuses on theatre as a public practice, a tool for self-expression and communication. Dafa supports the establishment of amateur and professional theatre groups to ensure the sustainability of this ancient art-form.
Cultural Preservation: We are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of puppetry, both locally and globally. By honouring tradition while embracing innovation, we seek to ensure that this ancient art form continues to thrive and evolve for generations to come.
Contact:
Husam Abed
Artistic Director & Co-founder
+420 733 676 141
Hamza Abid
Managing Director
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We invite interested artists to attend. Subscribe here! After completitng registration, you are most welcome to attend online at: FB event
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Interested in applying fill the application at this Open call
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For more details, click this link!
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Berlin / Germany
For more information, stay tuned!
Watch Trailer
Berlin / Germany
Sala Mário Viegas, Lisbon
Sala Mário Viegas, Lisbon
Dafa Theater
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