Ronnie Burkett on the puppet as a storytelling device (Part 2 of 20)
Channel: Canada's Theatre Museum
Date: 2017-03-16

Ronnie Burkett discusses the use of the puppet as a tool for telling stories in the theatre.

Interviewed by R.H. Thomson on February 7th, 2012 in Toronto.
Filming location courtesy of Factory Theatre.


“I don’t always have to like what’s coming out of those characters’ mouths”
Puppeteer Ronnie Burkett on realizing that all characters are not good or bad, and how to create a true character.


One of Canada’s foremost theatre artists, Ronnie Burkett has been credited with creating some of the world’s most elaborate and provocative puppetry.  In this series of interviews with Canadian actor RH Thomson, Burkett talks about characters, storytelling, process and more.


In 2001 Ronnie Burkett received the President's Award from the Puppeteers of America, and in 2003 the Herbert Whittaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre. In 2009 he was awarded the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre for design. In June 2019, he was named Officer of the Order of Canada.


Interviewed by R.H. Thomson on February 7th, 2012 in Toronto. 

Filming location courtesy of Factory Theatre.