Benny, the plucky puppet protagonist in The Paper Escaper, knows they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash Benny between its pages – from a wily dancing fire to a disillusioned illustrator – Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams. Don’t miss your chance to see Benny’s journey on Thursday, April 24 at 6 pm.
This bright puppetry work from Terrapin tells a story of determination, friendship and the power of following your own path. The non-verbal storytelling is suited to audiences diverse in age, language and background. Remount director of The Paper Escaper, Davina Wright, told The Mercury that the production combines “fantastical elements” with a storyline everyone can enjoy. “It’s a beautiful story about courage and a child finding their own way in the world outside of their normal day to day life.”
Terrapin Puppet Theatre puts what matters most in motion. Their purpose is to make lives better, shift realities and create connections and they have been doing it for over 40 years. Terrapin brings contemporary artists and audiences together with one of the oldest artforms in the world, puppetry.
Writer of The Paper Escaper, Gita Bezard, told ArtsHub that when writing for puppets in a visual world, “it is all action.” “There are no lengthy monologues to explain how the characters feel. We have to see it. They always have to be doing something and pushing the story ahead. Writing for puppetry means there is a greater collaboration between the writer, the design team and the director. There is so much room for all the elements within the story and everyone gets to put their own beautiful, creative flavor into the story.”
Working with writers, designers, performers, composers, inventors, game-makers and other artists, Terrapin forms and re-forms creative teams in new ways for new art projects. With an in-house workshop where technical knowledge and artistry are combined, character design, world building and deep storytelling is born. Terrapin’s skilled network of makers work sustainably to build anything from shadow puppets to southern right whales to tiny, shimmering birds.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.