ABOYNE – Colourful, whimsical puppets are coming to life at a new exhibition at the Wellington County Museum and Archives celebrating the 25th anniversary of Puppets Elora.
A Peek Behind the Curtain had its opening reception on Jan. 19, and the exhibit continues until March 31 with displays of puppets, scenery and props, interactive elements and a series of five shows.
“This puppetry exhibit is likely the only one in Ontario or even Canada,” said Annerose Schmidt, a founding member of Puppets Elora.
“We show how puppets are built and how they come to life.”
The not-for-profit troupe was formed in 1994 under the leadership of Laura Fairfield, with a loan from the Elora Arts Council. Some 34 puppeteers and many other backstage helpers have been involved since then, producing plays based on folk and fairy tales from around the world.
They have performed in barns, churches, tents, malls, libraries, schools and museums, and at Groves Memorial Community Hospital.
The group says it has learned to adapt to changing conditions, just like the character Hazel in their play Stone Soup.
“If there are no beets for soup, change the recipe,” states one of its displays.
“We have stepped out of the traditional booth theatre; we are using new types of puppets; we embrace social media and are developing workshops and demonstrations – we enjoy sharing our trickery, illusions and joy with others.
“We have always selected stories with ideas that help draw us together as a community in Wellington County.”
“This exhibit is fun for the whole family,” said curator Amy Dunlop.
“Visitors are encouraged to play, perform and experience the art of puppetry in Wellington County.”
The exhibit includes puppets that have been used in parades, such as a cow, a flying pig and an octopus with a different person operating each tentacle.
A puppetry open house will be held at the exhibit on March 23, from 2:30 to 4pm, hosted by Puppets Elora and the Ontario Puppetry Association.
People can bring their own puppets, share ideas and learn about puppet construction.
Upcoming shows at the exhibit, all starting at 2pm, include Puppets Elora performing Wish Fish on Feb. 23 and March 13.
Studio Babette will perform Pulchinella on March 11, and Puppets Elora will present No Puppets? No Problem on March 15 and March 30.
Members of Puppets Elora are involved in designing, building, sewing, painting and performing – and they provide training.
“There is a broad spectrum of challenges – you get to be creative,” said Schmidt.
For more information, visit puppetselora.ca.
The Welllington County Museum and Archives, located on Wellington Road 18 between Fergus and Elora, is open weekdays 9:30am to 4:30pm and weekends from 1 to 5pm. Admission is by donation.
