What is a PuppetSLAM?

It's an evening of short varied theatrical mini-plays for adults that use (or sometimes abuse) puppets for all or part of the drama. Each piece is performed by a different artist or artists, and the content can be wide-ranging; some are elegant or poignant, others are satiric, irreverent, or humorous, and still others can be passionate, political, or spiritual in nature. The performers range from the seasoned professional to the nascent puppeteer, and often include poets, musicians, dancers, mimes, actors, and other sundry affiliated artists.

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PuppetSLAM reviews

WBUR reviews November 2007 PuppetSLAM

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PST PuppetSLAMs 2009 - 2010

November 21, 2009 at 8pm at PST
January 16, 2010 at 8pm at PST
March 20, 2010 at 8pm at PST
May 22, 2010 at 8pm at PST

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Confessions of a Slam Instigator

by Carl Weiting

Why do adults need to see live puppet shows?

Because the Internet can't heckle you back.

Because it's fun to see the soul of an old lady in a tomato.

Because if you watch talking furniture onstage it's less likely you will start talking to your own furniture.

Because the revolution is never over. Because it's fun to watch adults in a state of arrested development.

Because it's healthy to arrest your development for short periods of time.

Because nothing out of Hollywood can actually reach out and touch you.

Because old memories need to be kept young and new memories need to be made.

Because where else can you see 4,083 uses for felt & the common coat hanger.

Because even though you can't see the puppeteer's hands, you know what they are doing with them.

Because the world has too many televisions and not enough storytellers.

Because it's nice to know your trash is being put to good use.

Because instead of dumbing down, puppets smarten up their audience.

Because if you can't join 'em, beat 'em with a stick (says Mr. Punch).

Because the news doesn't run enough happy stories.

Because most puppets are actually smarter than most politicians.

Because the worries of the world never stop, but you can put them on hold till the end of the show.

Because why should kids have all the fun.