“Sam and Friends – The Early Days of The Muppets: Exploring Jim and Jane Henson’s First TV Show” Puppet Forum
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry 1 Royce Circle, Mansfield, CTYears before Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Jim Henson began his television career while a student in the Washington, D.C. area. Alongside performing partner Jane Nebel (who would become his wife), Jim introduced Kermit and the Muppets to local viewers in a daily five-minute show which became a sensation and also led to a…
Jumaadi: From Wayang Kulit to Contemporary Art (Puppet Forum)
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry 1 Royce Circle, Mansfield, CTBallard Institute director Dr. John Bell will host this Puppet Forum conversation with Jumaadi, a contemporary Indonesian-Australian artist (who will be joining us virtually from abroad), and UConn professors Dr. Matthew Cohen and Dr. Macushla Robinson. The discussion will probe a particular aspect of Jumaadi’s creative process: how wayang kulit, the tradition of Javanese shadow…
“Oma” by Sandglass Theater
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry 1 Royce Circle, Mansfield, CTThis new family show by Shoshana Bass and Jana Zeller is an intergenerational tale that revolves around Grandma or “Oma." It is her birthday and all are preparing for the celebration. While the grown-ups manage work phone calls, playdate logistics and other such tasks, the children get into mischief with party decorating, present wrapping, and…