On Saturday, April 28, the Twin Cities Puppeteers joined dozens of other guilds around the country in celebrating the 3rd Annual National Day of Puppetry. Each guild works on its own to devise some way of enhancing the public recognition of puppetry. This year, as last, we put together a program of shows and talks at the Southdale Library. Special thanks to Laura Krentz, who is a librarian there, and Wayne Krefting, who did much of the program organizing. And of course thanks to everyone else who helped plan and present.

Diane Rains gave a talk on shadow puppetry, focusing on the ancient art of Indonesian Shadow Puppetry. She’s holding an object called the “Tree of Life” traditionally used to open and cose Indonesian shadow puppet shows.

Wayne Krefting’s puppet stage was there for several of us to use. In this shot, two of Wayne’s “Forest Floor Players” are trying to make lemonade.

Part of our public outreach was a display of puppets. Helga Burroughs was one of those who kept an eye on the exhibit, to guarantee the safety of the puppets loaned for this event. Puppets in the foreground are by Andy Hayward.

Paul Eide and Karen Backes did a performance of Red Riding Hood, using puppets that Paul had built about 25 years ago for sale at a Festival. They were purchased by Jean Tatting, and returned to the guild when Jean passed away. Karen did a lot of refurbishing.

Rene Daffer performed several marionette numbers. This picture shows her rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot.” The marionette was built by her great aunt, Mildred Mitton, who was a long-time member of the TCP.

And here’s the group shot of those who remained when the party was over. Left to right, behind table: Diane Rains, Vicky Kline, Helga Burroughs, and Karen Backes; Back row, Susie Kanemitsu (who did storytelling) and Paul Eide, holding a giant butterfly built by Chris and Katie Fehring. The body is made of Model Magic. (Model Magic rules) Hunkering down in front: Andy Hayward with one of his puppets, and Rene Daffer. Wayne Krefting had to leave for another engagement shortly before the picture was taken. Photos by Karen Backes.

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