From: Widerman-AT-aol.com
Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 00:25:14 EST
Subject: Re: PUPT: Almost Being John Malkovich


In a message dated 12/23/99 10:36:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
jb44-AT-is3.nyu.edu (John Bell) writes:

<< I've never seen a puppeteer set up an outdoor show with string puppets, 
and especially not know how to attract a crowd, and hold them.  >>

There have been many great string puppeteers on the streets of New York that 
have done remarkably well, with a handsome take from passing the hat as 
proof. (New Yorkers are a particularly sophisticated, discriminating and 
tough to please audience.) Joe Castine, Leela Puppet Theater, and myself 
could all testify to this. I performed marionettes on the sidewalks for about 
10 years and survived off the income for about three of them. I then went on 
to run a double bridge marionette theater in a restaurant in Manhattan for 
another ten years. Unfortunately, under the Guiliani administration, street 
performing is not tolerated and has mostly disappeared from the cityscape. 
High rents have taken their toll on several puppet theaters in the city 
lately. Too bad.

     -Steven->



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