Archibald Caramantran

Archibald Caramantran is an international street theatre company specialised in medium- to large scale performances, at fixed locations or on parades.

Combining different art forms, including visual arts, dance, theatre, circus and music, the company utilises   giant muppets and aerial dance to create dreamlike and popular shows.  

Driven by the desire to surprise every day and reveal its poetry, Archibald Caramantran plays in open areas to meet the public and offer them a theatre of images which are at time sensible and absurd, marvellous and of distinct proportions. 

In its creations, the company utilises giant muppets and aerial dance to build a special relationship with the public and act the city out. The aerial space becomes a natural playground for making and sculpting, using various methods: fabrics, mesh, dance in the air or building facades.

Since its creation in 2005, the company has earned international recognition. Its giant muppets have wandered onto the streets of cities and villages, from carnivals to festivals, in the marquees of the opera houses in France and overseas, Europe, Australia, Canada, Cuba, China, Asia, Russia, Africa.

The Archibald Caramantran Company is supported by City of Carpentras, COVE, District of Vaucluse, Region PACA and DRAC PACA

Olivier Hagenloch   Artistic Director

Having received his training at the Emile Cohl Animation School, Olivier Hagenloch co-founded "Les Grandes Personnes", the company of giant puppets, in 1998. The troupe and him have since participated in numerous performances and workshops in France and overseas (Europe, South America, Russia, China, Africa.)

The River (Le Fleuve), Grand Parade, Burkina Faso, 2003
Habanos, Large-scale performance, Havana, Cuba, 2004
The Big Family (La Grande Famille), Grand Parade, Burkina Faso, 2005
World Cup Opening Ceremony, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2010.

In 1999, he received training in 'Kathputli' puppet operation by Puran Bhatt in India. In 2012, he created "Shanty Theatre" (Bicoque théâtre), a fairground theatre for puppets and other curiosities.

Today, he directs performances and events for Archibald Caramantran, of which he has been the Artistic Director since 2005. He also works for local and overseas circuses, opera troupes and theatre companies.

Yacouba Sawadogo   Artist

Yacouba was born in 1984 in Darsalam in Burkina Faso. Before being a sculptor, puppeteers and actor, he has multiplied his experiences on being a Farmer, beekeeper, mason and upholsterer. He met the company Les Grandes Personnes in 2002 in Boromo when he was still a water carrier. He was then trained in the manipulation and the making of puppets by Stéphane Meppiel.
Since 2005, he's regularly participated in parades in different countries: Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ghana, France, China, Romania, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium etc. He also animates classes for adults and children to teach the making of Giant Puppets and pass on the knowledge of Giant Puppets' manipulation.

 He joined the company Archibald Caramantran in 2017 and has worked in the company till now.