1995 · Minneapolis
by Griffith, Christopher (editor); Peterson, Beth (illustrator); Tougas, Duane (illustrator); Gage, Camille (photography), et al.
Minneapolis: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, 1995. First edition of this instructional puppetry "cookbook" for children and adults, created by Minneapolis theater company In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT). Providing fundamentals of puppet construction for the beginner through the professional, the guide offers an overview of commonly used tools and materials, and groups projects by required time and level of difficulty. Quick Project "recipes," such as lanterns and shadow puppets, can be tackled by kindergarteners in an afternoon, while Longer and Longest Projects, like giant Three Pole Puppets, require a minimum of twenty hours. Performance tips are offered in each recipe's "Bringing It To Life" feature: "Believe that your puppet is more than a piece of cardboard, that it is alive;" "When you put on your mask, you should respect the personality of the mask." In addition to the playful illustrations, lists of puppet "chefs," local and national resources, a bibliography, and a glossary round out this collaborative workbook. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre has created puppet shows and pageants since 1973, including Minneapolis's annual MayDay Parade and Festival, hosted by HOBT from 1975 to 2022. Like their founding inspiration, Vermont's Bread and Puppet Theater, HOBT remains committed to its roots in political activism and community building. We find no institutional holdings of this 1995 first edition; OCLC locates six holdings of the 2000 second edition. A near-fine artifact of regional community arts organizing. Single volume, measuring 8.5 x 7 inches: [16], [2], 1-22, 1-13, [1], 1-22, 1-24, [4], i-vi, i-ix, [1], x, [3]. Original three-ring binder with turquoise plastic pictorial covers stamped and titled in cobalt blue. Cover design, title page vignette, and nine pictorial chapter headings by Beth Peterson, illustrations throughout text by Duane Tougas and others, photographic illustrations by Camille Gage. "Update Address Form" bound in place of final index leaf; a few scuffs to binder.
(Inventory #: 1003823)