The vanishing tribe of Andhra’s leather puppeteers

The vanishing tribe of Andhra’s leather puppeteers

Leather puppetry, an ancient art form, is on the brink of extinction in Madhavapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, due to a change in religious profile of the puppeteers. Only 60 performers remain, with 50% of the 300 families having adopted another faith. The performers recite Hindu mythological stories, making it difficult for those of other faiths to continue. COVID-19 has further reduced the number of shows, leaving many puppeteers begging on the street…