Current Productions:
Shakepeare's Comedy of Errors
The story of two sets of twins consistently being mistaken for one another tickles funny bones! More information
Rapunzel
In this wild and waky adaptation of the classic tale, an old washerwoman tells the story using a variety of objects and puppets found in the laundry. More information
The
Snowmaiden:
A winter fantasy based on the Russian folktale. Performed with marionettes,
live music and an introductory Russian folk dance. The set resembles a Russian
lacquer box, the puppets are performed in Toy Theatre style. Guitar and balalaika
music combine to set the mood and add special sound effects.
For ages 3-103. More Information
See a video selection at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzUf8mjhuWg&feature=related
Puppet Panorama:
A multimedia, multicultural, multi-puppet production. Five different types
of puppets from around the world are represented: Mr. Punch (glove puppet)
from Britain; The origins of Chinese Shadow Theatre, with table top rod puppets
and a Chinese shadow figure; Czech-style marionettes in a story about a Rusalka
and a vodnik; and a soft-sculpture moving mouth puppet tells a nineteenth
century American tale.
Set pieces are manipulated and transform from a map of the globe into a ship;
from water into wings; from clouds into a river; and finally become a gateway
to the New World. Music reflects the different lands, and the method of travel.
A short lesson in marionette manipulation rounds out the program, with audience
members trying their hand at puppetry. All ages have enjoyed this program.
More Information
See a video selection at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lecUd7L5V9Q
Spinning Straw Into Gold:
A farcical retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story, told with hand puppets. The audience is invited to sing along with the puppets, ask questions and name names! More Information
A Puppet Vaudeville:
Puppets, marionettes, music and audience participation makes this show lively and fun for everyone!
Wonderful Walkabouts: See Video of them in Action!
Individual puppet characters roam as street entertainment or for special events. Some are Renaissance figures! Choices range from giant parade figures (a Singing Sunflower, for example) to a tiny "kissing" fish marionette that "swims" around people's heads....
"People are thoroughly enchanted"
~Ann Quinn (Public Relations, Middlesex Hospital, after booking it for the third time) More Information
Past Productions:
The Alien Ate It:
A science fiction mystery which celebrates cultural diversity while teaching
tolerance, understanding and intergalactic harmony. Rod puppets, a marionette,
a body puppet and a giant "transformer" puppet are part of the
peacemaking magic. "...Not only is the story meaningful and full of
metaphors and analogies, but the words themselves titillate the senses...like
most impactful works it says more than it says..."
~Dr. Carolyn Falk. More Information
The Second Shepherd's Play:
A medieval Christmas farce performed with four puppeteers in full view of the
audience. Live music of the period is played on hammer dulcimer. The puppets
are table top rod puppets (American Bunraku), sumptuously costumed and deftly
manipulated. "It is authentic medieval theater; and certain to provide
a new take on the Christmas story."
~The Norwich Bulletin, December 1997. More Information
Ting!
Ting! An Inept Angel is an original solo adult puppet piece which focuses on family, love, and the struggle for happiness.More Information
Mother Nature Tells All:
A TV interviewer tries to contact that Most Marvelous Meddler and Gossip of the Grapevine, Mother Nature.
Custom Made Puppet Productions:
Puppet techniques can enliven history and other topics for both children and adults. Contact Purple Rock for your specific needs. E-mail Purple Rock
Workshops/Residencies:
History of Puppetry Lecture/Demonstration:
Another cavalcade of puppets from all over the world! Questions and mysteries
surround the origins of puppetry, and students are invited to offer explanations,
to manipulate the figures, or to perform a short skit. This demonstration
can be adapted for any age group.
Puppet building and performance techniques:
Shadow figures, rod puppets and other types of puppets can be created. Each
workshop is geared specifically to the needs of the group. See list of workshops.
Presentations and lessons for professionals:
Learn basics or develop specific exercises or skills to use in your own work.
Puppetry is used in hospitals, as physical therapy, for hard-to-reach children,
and for the emotionally disturbed. It is used in Zoos (the San Diego Zoo
had a puppet Californian Condor that fed the chicks while the real one was
hatching more eggs). Puppetry is a perfect educational tool, helping to foster
team work and inter-disciplinary studies. It is a theatre art, and many theatre
companies are using puppets in their productions. Do you have a special application
which requires a puppet-related question or consultation? Call or E-mail
Purple Rock! If we can't answer your question, we will point you toward someone
who can.
E-mail Purple Rock