This is the second post by Nick Brisini.
After doing research on the history of puppeteering, I realized that this noble art form seemed to be dying out in the modern world. Historically speaking, puppet shows were one of the main forms of entertainment for children and even adults. Puppeteers were esteemed, especially a woke puppeteer in PA Coalfields.
In the spring of 1984, I formed the Magic Forest Puppet Theater. Before going woke was cool and was condemned by every two bit right winger, I had decided that my show was to be entertaining and would also have a positive message.
An Italian Film in which puppets were used influenced me to use them (I can’t remember the name) in an attempt to raise the consciousness of the people. My first show performed at a national historical site called the Lemon House in Cresson, PA dealt with the handicapped. They paid me $25.00 for this performance.
My Show
I can imagine that Ron DeSantis would have branded my show as woke and would have demanded that it be removed from all government historical sites. The puppets were bought from a Pittsburgh hobby store. I started out with a frog named Freaky, a bear named Benny, a cat named Bruce, a racoon named Rocky, a rabbit named Fiver, and my mom made a witch named Hazel.
Later I changed the name of the show to the Wacky Woods Puppet Theater and added more puppets. Interestingly enough, I had no problem finding work over the years. I performed in many different venues. I performed at festivals, company picnics, Christmas and birthday parties, schools, community centers, the Women’s help center in Johnstown, and the Cambria County Detention facility. Finally I did a performance for the Communist Party Christmas show in Pittsburgh – definitely a woke moment.
Over the years, I have developed new ideas and new messages. I have changed the lyrics to popular rock songs and sang them. I also encouraged audience participation. My shows dealt with issues of racism, economic inequality, war, and witch hunting. I have performed A Christmas Carol by Dickens and Hansel and Gretel.
For anyone interested, the Wacky Woods Puppet Theater will be performing at the Northern Appalachian Folk Festival in Indiana, PA on September 9 at 1PM and 4PM. It will be a woke puppeteer show in PA Coalfields.