Brussels puppet theater Toone receives European Heritage label

The European Commission recognizes the Royal Puppet Theater Toone as European Heritage because of “its role in the history and culture of Belgium and Europe”. This puts the theater on a list of more than sixty European sites.

Theater Toone is located in the heart of Brussels and describes itself as the only remaining puppet theater in the city. The art of puppetry is passed on from generation to generation. Each ‘Toone’ is initiated by the previous one. The current puppeteer is the eighth ‘Toone’ in a row since Antoine Genty opened his pussy cellar in 1830.

The puppets themselves date from the 16th century, when Philip II of Spain closed the theaters for fear that they would become hotbeds of resistance, according to the theater’s website. The people of Brussels replaced real actors with ‘pussjenels’ in clandestine theaters. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Brussels puppet theaters were popular places of entertainment. They were also a way for the common people to keep up with current events. And they were also places where satire and freedom of expression were highly valued.

The European Union awards heritage labels every two years. To be eligible, a site or organization must have a cross-border European character and appeal, have a place and role in European history, culture and integration and play a role in developing and promoting the common values ​​that underpin the EU. This year’s winners will be awarded the label during the presentation of the European Heritage Awards in Antwerp on April 17.

In addition to Theater Toone, the Mundaneum in Mons, the Bois du Cazier in Charleroi, the MigratieMuseumMigration (MMM) in Molenbeek and the Colonies of Benevolence in Wortel and Merksplas have also previously received a European Heritage Label. (vdbv/blg)