{"id":23698,"date":"2023-09-04T09:51:04","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T13:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/?p=23698"},"modified":"2023-09-04T10:41:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T14:41:52","slug":"bread-puppet-circus-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/2023\/09\/04\/bread-puppet-circus-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Bread & Puppet’s ‘Heart Of The Matter Circus’ In Cambridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vermont\u2019s Bread and Puppet Theater<\/a> brought its \u201cThe Heart of the Matter Circus\u201d to Cambridge Common on Saturday as part of its September tour of the Northeast. The perform Lawrence, Massachusetts, at 5 this evening. (See schedule below.) Admission is free. Donations are welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stilt dancers, papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 beasts, and a brass band performed their raucous spectacle of protest and slapstick satire and celebration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater rehearses “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This circus opened with a prelude of performers with a painted landscape and low-relief clouds, a stilter as the \u201cheart of the matter\u201d and another stilter chiseling clouds to give life meanings that are missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then the circus\u2019 traditional opening of white-clad performers running in waving flags. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A giant blue headed puppet watched as a creepy Uncle Sam puppet with top-hatted \u201cfossil fuel tycoons and their government collaborators\u201d chained up performers wearing smocks printed with images of green wheat, then children dressed as superheroes in gold capes unchained them and instead defeated and chained the bad guys\u2014a symbolic representation of the youths known as the Montana 16 who have successfully sued to stop pollution because it violates their right to a healthy environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flat, black and white cardboard boat of migrants rolled on seas (blue clothing hung on long poles) as masked performers pantomimed playing tennis over them\u2014intended as a metaphor for European indifference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 A cantestoria about \u201cAll You Excellent Kids\u201d bringing fresh ideas to the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supreme Court judges in robes and wigs marched in high stepping to rip off their robes reveal cheerleader outfits, each with a letter on the bust that together spelled \u201cFascist.\u201d The judges were anti unions and abortion and LGBTQ, they gutted the clean water act, all to \u201ctake it back 100 years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sinister winged puppet knocked down people dancing in a circle to represent cluster bombs dropped by the United States on neutral Laos during the Vietnam War that continue to endanger the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue and white horse puppets danced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow lions and tall figures paraded in memorial to Katharine Kean, a New York activist who supported Haiti, who died in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A violinist howled and played as a performer threw things out of a garbage can\u2014shouting: \u201cNato puppets of empire advance towards enemy,\u201d \u201cRussia invades Ukraine without any provocation,\u201d \u201cPuppet presidents of puppet empire pour in as many expensive weapons as possible to promote peace,\u201d \u201cNord Streamgas pipeline mysteriously explodes,\u201d \u201cConflict solution: No negotiation.\u201d The performer took a paper plate out of the trashcan and let it float to the ground, saying, \u201cThe people of Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe despairers in spite of dancers\u201d danced with cardboard disks painted with pastoral scenes, threw them down to the grass, retrieved them as a narrator said the dances were about seeking shelter and work permits in sanctuary cities and states, and finally the \u201cacceptable nightmare dance,\u201d when the paintings were flipped over to reveal black and white skeletons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three bears entered wearing signs labeled Russia and Nato and the third holding a bomb labeled Nuclear. The Russia and Nato bears took turns hammering on the bomb then covering their eyes as the band played the \u201cBlue Danube Waltz.\u201d Then the bears tangled and the bomb fell  to the ground (without exploding). A group of kids labeled \u201cWorld\u201d arrived, removed the sign \u201cnuclear\u201d from the bomb, to reveal that it read \u201cNo war\u201d underneath, and threw the bomb into a trash can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A woman danced a traditional Chilean partner dance solo, waving a white handkerchief, between giant paintings of chairs to mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. supported dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile and the thousands assassinated and disappeared by the regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 19th century Russian anarchist Peter Kropotkin noted cooperation in nature and shouted \u201cDon\u2019t compete! Competition is always injurious to the species. Practice mutual aid!\u201d as deer and buffalo and other animals paraded by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A rhino processed by followed by a performer holding a sign reading \u201c83 Anti-Trans bills have passed since January.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A man in cowboy hat asserted only two things are real: love and fossil fuel\u2014before a giant wave (a blue tarp) swept him away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rotten Idea Theater Company lampooned \u201cAmerican Exceptionalism\u201d unleashing banned cluster bombs in Ukraine\u2014until all the performers were clubbed down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aaron Copeland conducted the band to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the debut of his \u201cFanfare for the Common Man,\u201d but then an evil Uncle Sam puppet arrived to mark the 70th anniversary of Copeland\u2019s interrogation by Republican U.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy: \u201cAre you now or have you ever been a communist? Have you ever had an abortion? Have you ever read a banned book?\u201d A giant washer woman puppet joined performers in washer women and garbage men masks to punch out the evil Uncle Sam, then they danced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An act mourned the 470 mass shootings in the U.S. so far in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The band came onto the stage, a performer danced with a gold flag, and workers danced to honor crews making repairs after the July flooding in Vermont.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A man waved a giant bronze flag in circles and spirals and over the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performers entered carrying flags depicting writhing yellow figures shouting \u201cNo.\u201d The performers shouted \u201cWhat is war? Who profits? Who dies?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The circus ended, as is traditional, with white-clad performers running in waving flags as the band played \u201cDown By The Riverside\u201d: \u201cI’m gonna lay down my sword and shield down by the riverside and study war no more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tour schedule<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Friday, September 1, 2023, at 6 p.m. – Hancock, VT
\u2022 Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 4 p.m. – Cambridge, MA
\u2022 Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 4 p.m. – Portland, ME
\u2022 Monday, September 4, 2023 (Labor Day), at 5 p.m. – Lawrence, MA
\u2022 Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. – Vernon, NJ
\u2022 Friday, September 8, 2023, at 4 and 8 p.m. – Brooklyn, NY
\u2022 Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 4 p.m. – Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
\u2022 Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. – Easthampton, MA
\u2022 Monday, September 11, 2023, at 6 p.m. – Pittsford, VT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously:<\/strong> Lots of earlier coverage of Bread and Puppet Theater<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

If this is the kind of coverage of arts, cultures and activisms you appreciate, please support Wonderland by contributing to Wonderland on Patreon<\/a>. And sign up for our free, occasional newsletter<\/a> so that you don’t miss any of our reporting. (All content \u00a9Greg Cook 2023 or the respective creators.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"List
List of acts for Bread and Puppet Theater’s “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Setting
Setting up the circus ring for Bread and Puppet Theater’s “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Feeding
Feeding the sourdough starter backstage before Bread and Puppet Theater’s perormance of “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Bread
Bread and Puppet Theater performs “The Heart of the Matter Circus” at Cambridge Common, Sept. 2, 2023. (\u00a9Greg Cook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vermont\u2019s Bread and Puppet Theater brought its \u201cThe Heart of the Matter Circus\u201d to Cambridge Common on Saturday as part of its September tour of the Northeast. The perform Lawrence, Massachusetts, at 5 this evening. (See schedule below.) Admission is free. Donations are welcome. Stilt dancers, papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 beasts, and a brass band performed their raucous […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23697,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[109,110],"tags":[13,42],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23698"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23698"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23706,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23698\/revisions\/23706"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gregcookland.com\/wonderland\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}