Wed 9/26 @ 5:30PM
Bread and Puppet Theater was founded in the early ’60s to present radical political activism in a theatrical, striking manner. It rose to prominence in New York during the Vietnam era of antiwar activism — and it has persisted through thick and thin, still under the direction of founder Peter Schumann and based in Vermont instead of NYC. And in an era of revived political activism and civic anger, it seems to have a new moment.
The ensemble will be at Wade Oval this week during a 14-week national tour, with its Grasshopper Rebellion Circus. The show uses paper-maché weaponry and music by the Bread and Puppet Brass Band to teach and encourage resistance against repression and injustice.
“Tigers roar, apes drum their chests, horses neigh, and celestial grasshoppers teach ICE agents the basics steps of grasshopper rebellion dancing,” says Schumann in the event press release. “A paradise investigation team analyses the earthlings’ relationship to paradise, while major representatives of Mother Earth attend a festive Puerto Rican dance of liberation from natural and political disaster.”
The show will also feature the group’s legendary free sourdough rye bread with aioli; its books, posters, postcards, pamphlets and banners will be available for sale.
A donation of $10-$25 is suggested, but no one will be turned away for lack of money.