From: "karenlarsen-AT-earthlink.net" <karenlarsen-AT-earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: PUPT: Re: Puppets and Capitalism in the USA
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 14:48:33 -0400


I absolutely do not have time for this today, but the thread is too
compelling.

Here at Puppet Showplace Theatre, because we program over 100 different
productions for over 300 performances a year, we have the luxury of
choosing shows that span the entire gamut of puppetry from mask through
found object, and all of the myriad forms you would expect.  When we choose
a show to present, our criteria is always "is it a great show", not "how
many tickets will it sell?".  Of course we cannot choose challenging or new
work for all the slots as we must sell enough tickets to keep the theatre
open, and because we also like "popular" shows, but our goal always is to
connect audiences with excellent theatre, not to make as much money as
possible. And it would be boring for the staff if we always booked in the
same type of show. We're passionate about the art form, not about puppetry
as a business, and this theatre would not be as respected as it is if we
thought otherwise.

Here's the amazing result of that type of programming.  All of the more
esoteric shows, the more ecclectic performing companies, and the "newer" or
"less well known" forms of puppetry are gaining an exponentially growing
audience!  Now instead of "What's a shadow puppet?", we hear "Oh look Davy,
there's another shadow puppet show coming!". And we get calls every week
asking "What do you have showing for adults this week?"

If noone ever books the more interesting and challenging shows, they will
never gain an audience. And everything that we consider "traditional"
today, and which has gained a massive (sometimes "least common
denominator") audience, was avant garde at one time. If noone had ever
created, or hired, the first marionette shows, where would some of those
wealthy puppeteers be now?

Wish I could be more articulate about all this, but I have a brochure full
of stunning esoteric adult shows to get to the printer.

Karen Larsen
Artistic Director
Puppet Showplace Theatre

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