What is the first name that comes to mind when you hear the word puppet?
Likely, it is Jim Henson. Many books and thousands of pages have been written about the beloved American icon's life and work. Out of the Shadows is the first to focus solely on his love of, and impact on, puppetry as a vital contemporary art form, an important and previously unexplored aspect of the Henson legacy.
The Jim Henson Foundation's International Puppet Festivals brought puppet theater into mainstream American theater. This year, 2020, marks the 20th Anniversary of the last Henson Festival and the 30th Anniversary of Jim Henson's death. Taking this timely opportunity for reflection and drawing from a wealth of first-hand experience, in Out of the Shadows Asch presents a visually rich narrative of the festivals and their continued legacy, including a comprehensive look at the contemporary puppet theater landscape.
To realize Jim Henson's vision for a puppetry festival in New York, Leslee Asch served as producing director, working with Jim's daughter Cheryl, who served as executive producer, to present five award-winning festivals that would equal European festivals and put U.S. puppet artists on the international stage. Between 1992 and 2000, the Jim Henson Foundation hosted the International Festivals of Puppet Theater in New York City, and developed a national touring program.
"Woyzeck on the Highveld," by Handspring Puppet Company of South Africa.
Directed and with animations by William Kentridge. Photo (c) Ruphin Coudyzer FPPSA
Directed and with animations by William Kentridge. Photo (c) Ruphin Coudyzer FPPSA
Many prominent New York theaters participated in the festivals, including: The Public Theater, La Mama E.T.C., HERE Arts Center, P.S.122 and The New Victory Theater. The breadth of notable participating artists included Robert LePage, director of Wagner's Ring Cycle at the Metropolitan Opera; Julie Taymor, the creator of Disney's The Lion King; and world-renowned artist William Kentridge, featured in a major MoMA exhibition.
Author Leslee Asch worked for Jim Henson and The Jim Henson Company for over twenty years. She is a recognized expert in the field and has published articles and catalogs on the subject, including The Art of Contemporary Puppet Theater, for the Katonah Museum of Art.
An exceptionally beautiful art/ coffee table book, designed to be cherished by anyone who cares about the visual or performing arts.
The 248-page book is hardbound with dust jacket, and includes 156 photos (129 color), many full-page.
Available from: InForm Press and Amazon, $45
Available from: InForm Press and Amazon, $45
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