PuppetART Detroit Puppet Theater

This past weekend our family went to see a puppet show at the PuppetART Detroit Puppet Theater in downtown Detroit.  What a fantastic place!  Here is their mission statement: "To explore and promote a variety of cultures and their traditions through puppet performances, exhibits, and educational experiences, with a particular focus on programs for children K-12."  How great is this for a multicultural family with a puppeteering dad?!?

PuppetART's belief is that "the strength of our nation lies in its cultural diversity."
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"The unique art of puppetry is an important part of many cultures throughout the world.
Puppetry is a perfect way to learn, to teach, and to share."

PuppetART is small, but it has a theater, a studio, and a museum!  We loved seeing all of the different styles of puppets, representing so many different cultures.  They also do arts education programs for schools.  I wish we lived closer to take advantage of that! 

We saw a piece entitled "Dream Tigers," which is based on a Latin American folktale.  Ironically it's the only piece in their entire season that is not one of their own.  This was created and performed by a group named The Hinterlands Ensemble, also from Detroit.  It was a mix of live action and shadow puppetry!  Our kids got to go backstage afterwards and have a closer look (and touch!) of the puppets.  So fun! 

If you are ever in Detroit (or if you live near there now), we highly recommend catching a show! 
For more information, go to www.puppetart.org.