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Robin's Eye View

Robin's Eye View  Toy Theater of Terror As Usual

Internet access has kept me from writing to our blog so this is arriving a bit late.

 

We have seen some amazing, charming and interesting Toy theatre performances. Some have been one person, some multiple. We have been entertained with live music, recorded music and a cappello. The variety of interpretations and styles in inspiring.

 

John Bell and company's (Great Small Works) performance, Toy Theater of Terror As Usual, Episode 13 "Whistles and Leaks", is an energetic mix ofsong, music, dance, toy theatre and acting. It is full of  political and ethical implications as documents are shredded and information leaked. There is a relationship of current events mingled with historical myth. The performance was entertaining as well as providing the audience with an opportunity to question the News and events related to freedom of information, the military and individual beliefs and rights. Food for thought!

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Robin's Eye View

Robin's Eye View

 

Elephant by Clare Dolan and The Museum of Everyday Life, Glover VT

 

This performance moved me very deeply. Clare Dolan wove a story about the final days of her mother's life linked with the mass murders of elephants. She connected these stories through the theme of "memory". The elder Elephants keep the memory for all and have a very deep tradition. With the deaths of the elders the young do not learn the traditions and hold the memories. The story linked to her mother leaving the earthly plane with many memories not shared.

 

Her puppets were cardboard yet held a depth with movement and sometimes subtle expression. As she held the cardboard hand of her mother who was lying in the  stage area it felt as though part of her mother had already left.

 

Clare was part of the performance through out. The use of toy instruments made me think that no matter how old we are, our parents are always our link to childhood memories. The performance was sensitive and stirred my emotions...... and I made sure to tell her so.

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Ready to Fly

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Ready to Fly

After a good nights rest, Violet is ready to fly during the #pofafest2015 Puppet Parade on the UConn campus in Storrs, CT.

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Reverse Cascade

Red Ball Theater's production was incredibly moving. Fabric and a ball was used to create a puppet representing a circus performer. Other objects were juggled, ridden as a unicycle, and used as hula hoops. Then a tragic disease struck. Hands grabbed the fabric and disabled the puppet as multiple schlerosis attacked different limbs. The story is about this person's struggle and determination to continue to find and create ways to continue to live to the fullest. As the disease progressed and she needed a wheelchair (made with the same rings she had hooped with). She still found new ways to incorporate her art.. I was moved to tears with the power, insight and sensitivity of this performance. It deserved a standing ovation; ironically, because I was so deeply moved, I was unable to stand at the end...

Robin's Eye View

Love Birds

Robin's eye view

Tuesday we experienced an evening at the Jorgensen with a film documenting Caroll Spinney career and biography. Caroll and Debbie were on stage after the film with Oscar the Grouch to answer questions and share life experiences. Cheryl Henson lead out the evening "Celebrating Jim Henson and the Art of Puppetry" as she spun a more extensive tale of her father and mother's career and family. She told of how her dad had gone abroad to see first hand how puppeteers around the world performed with puppets. His interest in film preceded his interest in puppetry. Upon his return he asked Jane to marry him and a career in television is where life took them. Children came along and were swept along with them in the puppet world. Cheryl and Heather are joining us here at the festival. Wonderful to get such sensitive insight into the interweaving of Jim, Jane, Caroll and Debbie's personal feelings as well as professional connections. Wondrous evening!

Fred Thompson - Renaissance Man with Marionettes

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Fred Thompson - Renaissance Man with Marionettes

Figuring it out...Marilyn O'Connor Miller

 

Fred Thompson is one of those rare professionals who is always worth watching and listening to.  His work projects the time and efforts spent over the years in theatre and puppetry.  Fred cares about people and the power that puppets have to carry a message.  His attention to detail through presentation can be translated to all theater arts...he makes amazing connections!

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Robin's Eye View

Good morning

Here at UCONN.

Sunday Marilyn O'Connor Miller, Donna Mark and I did a road trip up to UCONN to the Jorgensen where we Met up with Steven Widerman and Tih who were setting up the Gallery of Puppets attendees of the Festival began schlepping up here. Violet traveled up with Donna and Marilyn while I took her stands and Beatrice the Phoenix. Violet looks amazing in the "Lobby" welcoming visitors to the puppet exhibit as well as an amazing gallery of Photographs by Richard Termine. What a treat to see her as you enter the downstairs area. The Gallery will open today as people were still delivering puppets yesterday. A sneak preview of Cookie monster was enjoyed by us as we were setting up.

Road trip home Sunday night and a return trip for the week Monday.

 

I arrived later on Monday. Matthew Leonard, our Board President, arrived early and set to distributing the tiny guild buttons depicting our logo flying Violet and WELCOMING all to Connecticut. Hold on to those buttons! The numbers on the back will win someone a basket of puppet goodies later this week. Marilyn O'Connor Miller, Karen Bruce, Jen Barnhart and Adelka Polak helped at the table. The Guild Chair is displayed with our table just outside registration. Marilyn took over while Matthew swooped in for a quick dinner.

 

Then the evening proceeded with a cross campus trek to the Jorgensen where Bart Roccoberton gave a brief introduction and Thank You to all the folks responsible for this wonderful Event. The audience responded with a loud round of applause.

 

We were then wowed by a poetic performance by Peter Schumann accompanied by his precocious violin. This transitioned to Captian Boycott performed by Bread and Puppet Theater. An all volunteer cast brought the legendary style of large, mostly paper mache, puppets to life. Narration as well as action encouraged the concern for our planet and standing strong for what is good (and not always comfortable) despite what we are "told" to be best for "the good of all". Listen to your heart. Every individual life has value.

 

My favorite puppet in the performance was a horse. Very effectively staged with a ladder, a paper horse head, a person on the ladder with a large white fabric stretched from head to tail (articulated with a rope). The rider slung one leg over the fabric as the horse "galloped" along. There is much too much more to describe. Sorry no pictures yet. Did I mention all the puppets were muted tones of flesh and grey?

 

Matthew's highlight of the day happened at the 10 pm welcome reception when trading cards were offered for purchase. Apparently only 25 were made with a portrait of Frank Ballard. And he got one! I tried to get a picture but his protective instincts barely allowed him to set it down long enough.

#‎pofafest2015‬

And now it is Tuesday........

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