The Magic is in the Miniature: Toy Theatre Thrives Online During Quarantine

The Theatre Times: In its simplest form, the proscenium is constructed of little more than cardboard. Small paper figures and objects come to life via slots, rods, or other humble mechanics. But these modest means should not be mistaken for lack of ingenuity. To the contrary, contemporary toy theatre artists show no shortage of poetic invention, repurposing an array of everyday materials to create hybrid environments, storytelling, and movement. True to the etymology of the word microcosm—little world—these productions create an alchemy of scale, transforming the way we experience performance through the toy theatre’s intimate proportions.