Programs Related to Theatre of Wonder For further information call (612)625-9683
Acts of Radical Beauty Sandy Spieler, Martha Boesing, David OÕFallon, Cindy Reynolds, and Colleen Sheehy Thursday, June 24, 7:00 p.m. This panel discussion focuses on the social, political, and spiritual roots of theatre of the 1970s, a period that gave rise to In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and many other alternative theatre groups, locally and nationally. Inspirations of a Big-Hearted Beast Nancy Staub Saturday, June 26, 1:00 p.m. Nancy Staub, a leading expert on world puppetry traditions, discusses many of the cultural traditions that have influenced the work of In the Heart of the Beast. Ms. Staub has an extensive background in puppet theatre scholarship and practice. She holds degrees from Tulane University and the University of Hawaii, where she specialized in Asian theatre and puppetry. She has organized many major exhibitions, conferences, and festivals nationwide on puppetry arts. Behind the Scenes at a Puppet Theatre Jim Ouray and Laurie Witzkowski Saturday, July 10, 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 7:00 p.m. Jim Ouray and Laurie Witzkowski, two puppeteers who have worked with In the Heart of the Beast for many years, will demonstrate varied puppet types and theatre techniques such as marionettes, stick puppets, shadow puppets, "crankies," and suitcase shows. Art Bus Goes to the Weisman Art Museum In the Heart of the BeastÕs Lake Street Theatre Club Thursday, July 29, 12:15 p.m. On the Washington Avenue Bridge Plaza outside the Weisman Art Museum High school students participating in the HOBTÕs Lake Street Theatre Club summer program will take their Art Bus performance on the road to the Weisman Art Museum, where they will perform their original puppet show. Revival! ÑAnna Mae, Big Foot, and Other Wondrous Tales Sandy Spieler, Jim Ouray, Michael Sommers, and others Thursday, July 8, 7:00 p.m. In this varied evening of puppet theatre, performers with HOBT offer rare revivals of several puppet shows from the early days of the theatre. Sandy Spieler presents the moving story of Anna Mae Aquash, a Native American warrior, in a story that propelled much of the theatreÕs work in the 1980s. Michael Sommers recreates "Celebrate the Gift," a sideshow performed as part of The Circle of Water Circus which traveled to towns and cities along the length of the Mississippi in 1983. Jim OurayÕs humorous story, "Big Foot," also was part of that production. Music of the Beast Thursday, August 12, 7:00 p.m. Original music and song have been central to In the Heart of the Beast mainstage plays as well as to the May Day Parade and Festival. This program presents highlights from the musical history of the theatre, whose wacky performances have been a mainstay of the May Day Parade since its early years. Puppets from a New Generation Friday, August 13, 7:00 p.m. Expect the unexpected in this closing program to the Theatre of Wonder series which features newly-commissioned and recent work by a number of emerging puppeteers. Artists will include staff from In the Heart of the Beast and others from the local scene, many of whom have started new puppet theatres or have forged independent careers. More details to be announced when commissions are awarded from support from the Jerome Foundation.
All programs are free of charge and take place in the William G. Shepherd Room of the Weisman Art Museum unless otherwise indicated.

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