Dimitri Katsoulis immigrated to Melbourne in 1974 to escape the Junta regime that repressed Greek artists.

He had trained in Greece with theatre and film companies as an actor and technician, as well as in shadow puppetry with masters of the art form. While earning a living in a Melbourne metal factory, he co-founded the Children's Theatre of Melbourne.

Dimitri performed Greek shadow puppetry until 1991, exploring contemporary and controversial issues such as women's equality, and the isolation of migrant women and children.

Unable to obtain funding and support, Dimitri returned to Greece, taking his puppetry secrets with him.

However, he left his entire collection to the people of Victoria — 32 puppets and 170 props, set backdrops and technical equipment.

He has since returned to Melbourne and assists the Museum to continue to document this highly significant cultural practice.

This puppet was made in Greece in the 1960s by puppet master and illustrator Abraham Andonakos, from plastic and painted with ink.

It was used by Dimitri Katsoulis in his performances in Greece and Melbourne until the 1990s.

The Greek Karaghiozis is wiser and less of a clown than Karagoz, his Turkish brother. He is poor and uneducated, relying on his cunning and ready wit to extricate himself from precarious situations. He is a Greek folk hero for children and adults.

Karaghiozis often mocks the various characters and includes them in his desperate adventures. He also pays them shameless compliments in order to avoid being harassed.

Although totally uneducated, Karaghiozis manages to bluff his way into different jobs, allowing the puppeteer to satirise prominent figures, professions and contemporary issues.

Morfonios is a silly character who thinks he is handsome and brags about his looks.

Morfonios is greedy and self-deluded and enjoys teasing the success of others.

He believes everyone else to be stupid and ugly. He is constantly in love and singing about love.

An acrylic figure of a woman, jointed at the waist. She has blond hair and wears a green contemporary-style dress with pink sleeves.

Aspasia is a kind and courteous character, ethical and compassionate. She appears in comedies.

Copritis is the son of Karaghiozis and a trouble maker.

He is a careless, ignorant, practical joker who enjoys nothing more than female company and the misfortunes of others. He always appears in the prologues of the plays.

Solomon is a wealthy Jewish merchant and Karaghiozis’ landlord.

He appears in comedies and is law-abiding, peaceful and cajoles others.

A two-dimensional puppet made of acrylic material, jointed at the waist and knees.

The figure is that of a man with a long nose, black hair and moustache. He wears a red cap, green shirt with a black, sleeveless jacket; short, green bloomers and white hose. His shoes are red, with turned- up toes. He carries a scimitar in one hand.

Karameimet is a timid and obedient Turkish character who carries a sword to frighten people.

A two-dimensional acrylic figure, jointed at the waist, portraying the Devil.

The figure is man-like, with horns, wings, beard and tail. The skin is red, highlighted with yellow. Finger and toenails are extended into claws.

The devil carries a four-pronged spear. There is a small hole in one wing for the attachment of a supporting rod.

The devil only appears in a few performances and represents the spirit of evil.

Footage of Dimitri Katsoulis, Greek Puppet Master, now living in Melbourne, at work in his home studio; taken in mid 2007.

In this video, Dimitri Katsoulis is performing traditional Karagiozis Theatre, a form of traditional Greek shadow puppetry which has its origins in Turkey and engages with social and culutral issues and themes.

Please note: this is recovered footage from a personal collection and as a consequence is not of a high standard.