Vision and goal
The vision of Elcha and the Gang is to remind people that there is magic, to bring joy to their hearts, to reveal a small light, to spark hope, and to ignite love within them.
Our mission is to serve as a constant reminder of the love, light, and beauty that still exist—even amidst the broken pieces. We carry out this calling with a deep commitment to serving our clients in the best possible way, while holding profound respect for every individual and the environment.
Artistic Conception
Physical and wordless puppet theater exploring the existential tension between matter and spirit, as well as human vulnerability. Through meticulously handcrafted puppets, direct and visible manipulation, and a sensitive proximity to the audience, the work bypasses the boundaries of spoken language in favor of a deep, universal communication. It is an encounter that seeks to move the heart and reveal the beauty that exists within existential heartbreak and longing.
About
Hello, I’m Yael Kandelman—a puppeteer and artist. Elcha and the gang are puppets (mostly wooden) that I craft with my own hands. Together, we travel locally and internationally, performing puppet shows and leading puppet-making workshops.
I studied puppetry at The Academy of The Wooden Puppet with my dear teacher, Master Puppeteer Bernd Ogrodnik. I also completed a clowning course with Ori Weiss, alongside various puppetry masterclasses and workshops both in Israel and abroad.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a self-taught learner—constantly exploring and experimenting with countless crafts, techniques, and materials, diving deep into whatever sparks my curiosity.
Married, and a mother of three—and a cat.
