Poppenkast spelen is an age-old Dutch tradition that dates back to the 16th century. It is a form of puppetry in which a puppeteer moves wooden or cloth puppets behind a white screen. The puppeteer acts out a story using the hand-held puppets. The puppeteer must be skilled to bring the puppets to life through the manipulation of their arms and legs. The traditional stage setup consists of a white screen hung on a wall or propped up on a frame. Behind the screen, the puppeteer uses small rods, controlled from out of sight, to manipulate the puppets. The puppeteer speaks all the dialogue as the puppets move and act out the story. This type of puppetry is often used to entertain both children and adults, as the puppet shows can be quite humorous and even moving. The stories and dialogue in a traditional poppenkast performance are usually derived from classic myths, fairy tales and folk songs. These stories feature characters from traditional Dutch culture such as Frans the miller, Martin the soldier and Wilhelm the carpenter. In the Netherlands, poppenkast performers are often found at annual fairs and festivals. Puppeteers have been known to travel great distances to perform poppenkast shows in other towns and villages. The tradition of poppenkast has been carried on through generations, and has played an important role in keeping traditional folklore and customs alive. If you get the chance to witness a poppenkast performance, it's sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.