Janni Younge Tickets

Janni Younge is a well-known figure in the South African theater scene and has earned her place as a pioneer in contemporary puppetry. Her work spans across various genres and art forms including experimental theater, contemporary dance, and opera.

In her early years, Janni studied theater at Rhodes University and graduated with a BA degree in Drama. She then went on to continue her studies at the London International School of Mime before returning back to South Africa to establish her own puppet company, Handspring Puppet Company with her husband Adrian Kohler in 1981. Shortly thereafter, Janni and Adrian joined forces with William Kentridge to create their first successful production – Woyzeck on the Highveld – which made its way to stages all over Europe.

Since then, Janni Younge has been instrumental in the development of contemporary puppetry in South Africa. She has been a key player in producing world-class puppetry pieces that have showcased at various festivals across the globe including the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Lincoln Center in New York, and the African Prosperity Summit.

Apart from her numerous collaborations and stage performances, Janni Younge has also lectured extensively at various universities and institutions globally. She has been a visiting lecturer at several institutions including the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and Columbia University. In addition, she is an active member of UNIMA – Union Internationale de la Marionnette – an international puppetry organization that promotes the art of puppetry worldwide.

One of her most notable works included creating giant puppets for Cape Town's Fan Walk during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This project helped to cement her reputation as a master puppeteer with a flair for creating captivating and awe-inspiring visual spectacles.

Another innovative work by Janni Younge includes being the lead artist on the 'Paradise Lost' series by the Handspring Puppet Company. These were life-size animal puppets made out of steel and cane that were used to create an installation piece at the Boomtown festival in London, UK. Guests were invited to explore this immersive world where they could meet each puppet character and learn about their life stories.

Janni Younge's contribution to South African theater has been immeasurable. She has worked tirelessly to promote puppetry both locally and internationally while pushing the limits of what's possible with contemporary puppetry. Her works continue to inspire generations of young puppeteers who have a passion for this truly unique art form.