Sat 9/27 @ 7PM
The politically radical Bread & Puppet Theater was founded in the 1960s, an era of political ferment that spawned many radical groups, both political and artistic — and Bread & Puppet aimed/aims to be both.
Most of the radical theater of that era is now a historical footnote, but Bread & Puppet, co-founded by Peter Schumann, who is still its artistic director, has soldiered on through historical changes, perhaps because it relocated from New York City to hippie-dippie Vermont, home of Phish and Bernie Sanders.
Bread & Puppet took its name from the fact that it initially gave away fresh-baked bread at its puppet shows, adding various types of variety/vaudeville performance to its signature oversized puppets. Political commentary is always part of the show.
The ensemble is headed for Akron this weekend where dozens of its giant puppets, live musicians and volunteer actors will perform at the Summit Sports and Social Club (520 S. Main Street, Akron). There’s a $20 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of money.