Theatre Zarko: Puppet symbolist theatre is at it again!

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I was first drawn to the Noyes Cultural Center in Evanston to see Theatre Zarko for the 2010 performance of Haff the Man, and Falling Girl.  My interest lay specifically in the representation of Falling Girl, a disturbingly beautiful short story by Dino Buzzati.  Both were stunning performances: the movement, the exquisite puppets and impressive story-telling generated a dreamlike ambiance and experience. 

Michael Montenegro’s Solo Works performance in 2011 showcased a variety of puppets and stories created since the puppeteer’s early years of interest in the art form.  “Inanimate objects animated to imitate life” Montenegro describing puppeteering to the audience during the post-performance discussion.  Some of the animations were somber while others quite humorous, creating such nonsensical jokes as one about great rope only being found in Chile as the country resembles a rope itself. 

So it is that I am delighted to share, although quite late in my broach for this event, Theatre Zarko’s latest performance at the Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre.  He Who debuted February 2^nd and will run through Sunday, April 8^th and I urge you to partake in the joy and sorrow that is created by the lovely puppet symbolists of Theatre Zarko.