PLANET PLASTIC (working title)
DAIRY ARTS CENTER Fall 2021
In this solo puppetry performance about sustainability and transformation created and performed by Betsy Tobin, as the lights come up onstage a pile of recycled materials gradually begins to shift. The quirky character who emerges, costumed in an odd assortment of recycled materials, playfully transforms herself, the space, and the odds and ends she is surrounded by during the following hour. From shadow puppets and magical worlds in plastic projected on walls, to hand puppets, and fully articulated puppets made from cardboard, paper, plastic, and bubble wrap, the sets and characters conjure known and imaginary worlds.
Image from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch scene
Funded in part by a
BOEDECKER PATH TO EXCELLENCE GRANT
MOMENT IN TIME
Created and performed by Betsy Tobin & Michael Gunst
Music by Jesse Manno Animation by Jesse Tobin Weiss
OPENING SHOWS: POSTPONED due to Covid-19 and library closure
Originally scheduled for May 16th & May 17th in the Canyon Theater, Boulder Public Library
OPEN REHEARSALS: POSTPONED due to Covid-19 and closures
March 18th 2:30 PM West Boulder Senior Center
March 31st 5 PM Meadows Branch Library Sponsored by Boulder Arts Week
Look for updates soon on rescheduled shows and open rehearsals!
Bricklayer mask by Michael Gunst
Stories will unfold as if emerging out of a black and white photo. Dressed in work clothes, with make-up on their hands and faces to blend in with the predominantly black and white figures, the two performers will represent the workers of humanity. They will set the stage, manipulate puppets, objects, and shadows, and play roles with or without masks in this non-verbal show for adults and children age 10+. The scenes explore themes of humanity: migration, love, cruelty, humor, faith, poverty, hunger, work, generosity, isolation, joy, and companionship.
Hand puppets by Betsy Tobin
Funded by Boulder Library Foundation, Boulder County Arts Alliance,
Gunstwork Puppet Mask Theatre & Now Or Never Theatre
from SHADOWS & JOURNEYS
Image from Garden of Earthly Light video by Betsy Tobin
Video collaboration with Kinetic Sculptor George Sherwood
for the opening of his exhibit, Wind, Waves & Light
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia June - October 2020
Seismic Memory by George Sherwood
