February 9, 2025
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The Enigmatic Bread and Puppet Theatre of Glover, VT

Bread & Puppet

Blending political theater with puppets

The Bread and Puppet Theatre in Glover is a hidden gem in Vermont's art scene. It blends political theater with handmade puppets. Peter Schumann founded this experimental theater in 1963, captivating audiences for 60 years.

At Bread and Puppet, giant puppets tower over you, telling stories of social justice. They moved to Vermont in 1970 and settled on a Glover farm in 1974. They turned a 140-year-old hay barn into a museum for their veteran puppets.

This theater believes art should be as basic as bread. They even bake bread for the audience! Shows are free or low-cost, making art accessible to everyone. In summer, thousands gather for weekend performances. It's a chance to experience political theater in a unique way. You'll see puppets and stories unlike anywhere else.

Author's personal note: They definitely added a bit of spice and excitement to local parades in the area. I never did get a chance to attend any of their outdoor performances when I was in my teens. The common rumors in the area were of widespread drug use, orgies and other weird and bizarre things. No doubt exaggerated due to several infamous events that  took place near or at the location in the 1970's and 1980's.

Later on, as a UPS driver, I did get to visit the “barn” where are all the puppets quietly resided and got to visit with a few of the people who brought the Bread and Puppet Theatre to life. I found them to be decent, down to earth people who had invented something truly unique within the country hills of northern Vermont.

The Origins and Founding Story of Bread and Puppet

Bread and Puppet Theatre began in 1963 in New York City. Peter Schumann started this unique theater in a small loft. It quickly became a revolutionary puppet theater in the city.

Peter Schumann's Vision

Schumann first created puppet shows for children about local issues. These included rent problems, rats, and police concerns. The theater grew to include sculpture, music, and dance.

From New York to Vermont

In 1970, Bread and Puppet moved to Vermont's Goddard College. They later settled on an old dairy farm in Glover. This move sparked a new era in Vermont's art scene.

Evolution of Puppet Shows

The theater expanded to larger productions and outdoor festivals. Their famous Our Domestic Resurrection Circus drew huge crowds. It involved hundreds of volunteers.

Bread and Puppet still inspires today with a modest budget. Their influence reaches theater companies worldwide. They continue to create unique, thought-provoking performances.

Understanding the Name and Core Philosophy

Bread and Puppet Theater's name mirrors its unique artistic approach. This political theater company, founded in the 1960s, has a rich history. Their philosophy sees art as essential as bread, shaping performances for over 50 years.

The Symbolism of Bread in Theater

Bread is central to Bread and Puppet's performances. They share fresh bread with the audience, creating a sense of community. This act embodies their belief that art should nourish people like bread does.

Art as Basic as Bread Philosophy

Bread and Puppet believes art should be as fundamental as bread. This drives their commitment to accessible, meaningful performances. Their shows often tackle social issues, using political theater for change.

The Cheap Art Manifesto

The “Why Cheap Art” manifesto is key to their work. It states art shouldn't be a luxury for the wealthy. Instead, cheap art should be available to everyone. This philosophy shapes their budget-friendly approach. Many performances are free or by donation. Their commitment to cheap art reflects an anti-capitalist view and ensures wide community engagement.

Exploring Bread and Puppet Theatre Glover Vermont

The Bread and Puppet Theatre in Glover, Vermont is a must-visit spot. This artistic farm houses animals and creative puppeteers. For over 50 years, it has blended art and activism.

The Bread and Puppet Museum opened in 1975 in a 130-year-old barn. It holds the world's largest collection of giant, political puppets. These massive papier-mâché creations are arranged by size, color, and theme. The theater's shows draw hundreds of people. Giant puppets star in creative, experimental performances.

Peter Schumann, the founder, still shapes each production. He sculpts, paints, directs, and teaches actively. His unique vision infuses every show.

This farm offers more than puppet shows. It's where art and activism merge. The Bread and Puppet Theatre believes creativity can change the world. For a unique Vermont experience, add this to your bucket list. It's a place where imagination and social change come alive.

The Historic 140-Year-Old Hay Barn Museum

Vermont's Bread and Puppet Theater's puppet museum is a hidden gem. It's housed in a 140-year-old hay barn in Glover. This unique space showcases the art history of the iconic theater company founded in 1963.

Permanent Puppet Collections

The barn became a puppet museum in 1974 when the theater moved to Vermont. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of veteran puppets. Some puppets tower 10 to 15 feet tall, telling the story of Bread and Puppet's evolution.

Museum Exhibitions and Displays

The museum's exhibits highlight Bread and Puppet's social and political commentary. Posters, books, and artwork span decades of performances. These displays show the theater's involvement in various causes, from Vietnam War protests to environmental issues.

Visitor Experience

The museum immerses visitors in the theater's unique artistic vision. You can explore at your own pace, taking in each puppet's intricate details. After touring, you can buy affordable art items, following the theater's “Cheap Art” philosophy.

Political Activism Through Puppetry

Bread and Puppet Theater has shaped protest art for 60 years. Peter and Elka Schumann founded this unique theater in 1963. It blends social justice with political puppetry to tackle important issues.

Vietnam War Protests and Pageants

Giant puppets first appeared in New York City parades in 1965. These became Bread and Puppet's signature style. The theater performed shows like “Wounds of Vietnam” and “Laos.” They used puppetry to speak out against war and injustice. Their “Guantanamo Show” highlighted human rights concerns.

Contemporary Social Justice Performances

Bread and Puppet keeps its political activism alive today. Their recent “Finished Waiting” tour marked their 60th anniversary. The theater focuses on anti-war and anti-capitalist themes. They craft puppets from local materials like papier-mâché. They mold it from Sheffield River mud and use maple tree branches.

Artistic Expression as Political Statement

Bread and Puppet stays true to “Cheap Art and Political Theater”. They create protest banners and lead parades with outdoor puppet shows. At every show, they serve homemade sourdough rye bread. This bread symbolizes their belief that art should be as vital as food. Their unique approach has earned them global acclaim. They're now a major force in world theatre.

The Famous Domestic Resurrection Circus

The Domestic Resurrection Circus was a magical Vermont summer event. For 27 years, it turned Glover's countryside into a creative hub. Up to 30,000 people came to see Bread and Puppet Theater's unique art and activism.

In 1995, a 200-person operated Mother Earth puppet towered over the crowd. The 1998 show offered an aerial view of sprawling campgrounds split by Route 122. Spectators filled the amphitheater, eager for the Puppet Circus finale. The large-scale festival ended in 1998 due to crowd management issues. Now, Bread and Puppet offers smaller summer weekend performances. These shows keep the original circus spirit alive.

They continue to mix art, politics, and community in Vermont's beautiful landscape. The intimate performances carry on the legacy of this unique event.

Performance Styles and Theatrical Elements

Bread and Puppet Theater's shows have evolved over 50 years. Their techniques blend traditional and experimental styles. Performances range from intimate puppet plays to grand spectacles with giant figures.

Rod and Hand Puppet Shows

Skilled puppeteers bring characters to life in smaller venues. These shows often tackle political themes with heroes like Joan of Arc. Precise movements and expressive voices create captivating performances.

Giant Puppet Spectacles

Large-scale productions are truly awe-inspiring. Massive puppets, some 15 feet tall, dominate outdoor spaces. These giant figures represent powerful ideas, moving slowly across the performance area.

Music and Dance Integration

Bread and Puppet blends music, dance, and puppetry seamlessly. Live musicians accompany the action while dancers interact with puppets. This creates a rich experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

Touring Productions and Community Engagement

Bread and Puppet Theater amazes audiences with their unique puppet shows across America and beyond. Founded in 1963, they blend art and activism in their productions. Their shows range from intimate performances to grand outdoor spectacles.

The theater's commitment to community engagement is truly remarkable. They host workshops where people learn puppetry and join performances. These events allow locals to experience puppet magic firsthand.

Bread and Puppet's touring schedule is impressive. They perform in diverse venues, from small town churches to big city theaters. Their shows feature large-scale rustic masks and puppets, creating stunning visuals for all ages.

The theater also runs an apprenticeship program for aspiring artists. This program keeps political theater alive while nurturing new talent. It's inspiring to see their continued relevance after five decades.

The Bread and Puppet Press

The Bread and Puppet Press is a crucial part of the theater's mission. It produces affordable political art prints for everyone. This press exemplifies DIY publishing in action.

Posters and Publications

The press creates various items, including eye-catching performance posters. They also make cards and books exploring the theater's themes. These pieces often reflect current events and social issues.

Cheap Art Movement

The Cheap Art Movement is central to the press. It believes art should be for everyone, not just the wealthy. The press prints cheap art manifestos, comics, and how-to guides.

These items are sold at low prices, making them accessible. It's a fresh approach to art in today's market-driven world.

The Bread and Puppet Press is more than just a printing operation. It's vital to the theater's goal of spreading art widely. By creating affordable, meaningful pieces, they're reshaping art's role in society.

Supporting Cast and Volunteer Programs

Bread and Puppet Theater's dedication to community arts is remarkable. Volunteers and apprentices bring their shows to life. Their theater volunteering creates a unique space for learning puppetry.

Volunteer programs are crucial to their productions. Participants learn puppetry while performing in actual shows. This hands-on experience is priceless for community arts enthusiasts. The volunteer model reflects Bread and Puppet's goal of accessible art. Community involvement keeps costs low and impact high. Theater volunteering creates powerful, socially conscious performances.

Bread and Puppet offers various ways to get involved. You can try puppet-making, performing, or backstage work. This inclusive approach keeps the theater vibrant and true to its roots.

Conclusion

Bread and Puppet Theatre has shaped Vermont's arts scene for 50 years. This unique troupe blends political theater with American culture. From New York in 1963 to their Vermont farm, they've stayed true to their mission.

The theatre offers affordable art through donation-based shows and low-cost prints. Prices range from $2 cards to $90 fabric hangings. Their puppet shows tackle issues from Vietnam to current events.

Founder Peter Schumann, at 90, still checks each loaf of bread served. Their museum, in a converted dairy barn, houses countless puppets. Bread and Puppet continues to inspire with grassroots art and activism.

Article updated on 1/3/2025.
Photo at top of page courtesy of Samuel Wantman

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