Famous Puppet Death Scenes

Maybe it's the endless rain, but I have been sliding into solipsism. My sister suggested meditation. The good samaritan in me angled for constructive deeds. But I have a better idea. My cure for existential affliction? Puppet death.

Famous Puppet Death Scenes is coming to town and I'm stoked. Over two dozen scenes of puppet carnage in under eighty minutes! Thirty-nine puppets meet their maker! Brought to you by Alberta's world renowned Old Trout Puppet Workshop --fresh from a stint performing in NYC--the show runs thursday to saturday at the Vancouver East Cultural Centre as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.

Old Trout are a fascinating bunch. They began in true bohemian style, with a year of intensive collaboration living as a group on an isolated ranch. After gathering eggs, building puppets, and premiering their first show to an odd assemblage of cowboys and Hutterites, the troupe eventually relocated to Calgary. Several productions later, they have reinvented themselves once again with Famous Puppet Death Scenes.

After all, how else does one top a puppet production of Beowulf?

Photo courtesy of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop.