Puppeteer and storyteller Delphim Miranda has passed away.
Delphim Miranda: A Pioneer in Puppetry and Visual Education
Delphim Miranda, a renowned figure in the world of puppetry, passed away on September 4, 2021, at the age of 74. Born in Lisbon on May 17, 1947, Miranda leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of puppetry and visual education.
During Expo'98, Miranda was a part of the daily show "Pilgrimage," driving one of the 'Peregrinóveis.' This marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his talent and passion for puppetry to a wide audience.
Miranda believed that puppets could dialogue with various technologies and harmoniously integrate with other artistic languages. He was not just a puppeteer, but a "professional Storyteller with Puppets." His unique approach to puppetry set him apart, making him a trailblazer in the field.
Miranda created his own shows, with stories of his own, featuring puppets. Some of his notable productions include "For a Few Coins," "Do You Want Me to Tell You Again?," and "The Box of Puppets." In the 2016-2017 season, the Museu da Marioneta, in Lisbon, dedicated a retrospective exhibition to Miranda, celebrating his 40 years of career.
Miranda's contribution to puppetry in Portugal did not go unnoticed. The Sindicato dos Professores da Grande Lisboa remembered him as an excellent professor and a remarkable figure in the art of puppetry. He started teaching Visual Education and Visual and Technological Education in 1971.
In addition to his work in puppetry, Miranda was also an actor. He worked in the film "Requiem," by Alain Tanner. He was also a dynamizer of the Espaço António Borges Coelho (Espaço ABC), where he brought to life "funny but also significant stories in values."
Miranda traveled throughout Portugal and performed in theater festivals in France, Spain, and Germany. He was part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation's Support Program for Reading, furthering his influence in the realm of education.
The wake of Delphim Miranda begins at 4:00 PM on Friday, at the Igreja do Santo Condestável, in Lisbon. The body of Miranda will depart from the Igreja do Santo Condestável to the crematorium of the Cemetery of Carnide on Saturday at 11:00 AM. The cremation will take place at 12:00 PM, in the Building of Sorrow, at the Cemetery of Carnide.
Miranda's passing is a great loss to the world of puppetry and visual education. His innovative approach and dedication to his craft will continue to inspire future generations.
