Puppeteers from around the Midwest stream into the Twin Cities this week for a regional puppetry conference organized by Puppeteers of America. As part of the conference, groups will be putting on performances that are open to the public. See works by local and regional puppetry artists throughout the weekend. Here’s a rundown:
- Weekend Picks: A night of Billie Holiday; IndiaFest; Sound for Silents at the Walker
Migraciones – Paradox Teatro
Sofía Padilla and Davey T Steinman of Paradox Teatro use hybrid puppets, sand drawings, and projections, along with a live original score to explore the U.S. immigration system.
Thursday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. at Open Eye Theatre
Showcase – Monkeybear’s Harmolodic Workshop
Native, Black, IPOC graduates of Monkeybear’s Harmolodic Workshop present their recent works in this showing.
Thursday, Aug 15 at 7:30 p.m. at In the Heart of the Beast ($15-$30).
The Amazing the Gnip Gnop Circus – Z Puppets Rosenschnoz
See acrobats, tightrope walkers and clowns in miniature with this glow-in-the-dark circus celebration.
Friday, Aug. 16 at 5 pm at Open Eye Theatre. ($15-$20).
New Squid on the Block – Barefoot Puppets
A curious squid seeks friends in far away places.
Friday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at In the Heart of the Beast. ($15-$30)
Punch and Judy – Parasol Puppets
Go old school with this throwback to an early puppetry hit.
Friday, Aug. 16 at 9 p.m. at In the Heart of the Beast. ($15-$30)
Stewart Park Large Scale Puppet Parade
Get your MayDay vibes on in August.
Saturday, Aug. 17 from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Stewart Park (free).
Uncle Rabbit’s Adventures – Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre
A wealthy land-owning goat learns to share his agricultural wealth.
Saturday, Aug. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Stewart Park (free).
Phantom Loss – Oanh Vu
If you missed Oanh Vu’s funny, heartfelt and creative “Phantom Loss” last spring, here’s your chance to correct that error.
Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7pm at In the Heart of the Beast. ($15-$30).
Sheila Regan
Sheila Regan is a Twin Cities-based arts journalist. She writes MinnPost’s twice-weekly Artscape column. She can be reached at [email protected].