Mythical Switzerland

"Gessler told William Tell to shoot an arrow at an apple on the head of his son…" The puppet took its arrow, aimed for the apple, and shot. Tell saved his son on the stage of the House of Switzerland. The tense faces relaxed, the silent children found their voices again. But this mythical ending is even known in England.

This Sunday, 22 July, at the House of Switzerland was dedicated to children. The House of Fairy Tales, a British organization which aims to educate children through myths, organised a Swiss Puppetry Marathon. The goal: to let British children aged 6 to 9 discover, stage and perform Swiss puppet shows. They did everything, from discovering the story to organising and staging the puppet show.

"We all knew Heidi, some of us knew the William Tell story, buy we had no idea that the Swiss had such a rich myth culture" declared Lilat, a member of the organisation. Such a compliment coming from a member of the nation of Shakespeare, that’s something. In addition to William Tell, the myths of the Water Nymph, Charles of Burgundy and Queen Bertha were played.

The children discovered an unexpected Switzerland. "Before the show, we didn't know that much about Switzerland," explained the young participants Beth, Very and Theodora (who already has a friend living in Switzerland). "Now we know that Switzerland invented chocolate and they speak German, French, Italian and Swedish." Hum, some things still need to be clarified, but these are early days at the House of Switzerland. And that’s the reason we're in London: to present the many different aspects of our country.

The House of Switzerland is looking forward to more children's activities:

Swiss puppetry play on 29 July
Kid's Workshop on 1 August
Swiss puppetry play on 12 August