Bread & Puppet Theater is bringing its latest production, “The Upside Down World Circus,” back to New York City this fall, with performances planned in four neighborhoods, including Park Slope. The tour will bring the company’s distinctive mix of puppetry, music, dance, satire and street theater to Brooklyn audiences, according to Broadway World.
The tour will visit New York City neighborhoods from Sept. 17-20, making its Brooklyn stop in Park Slope on Friday, Sept. 18.
Performances will feature puppets of varying sizes, stilt dancers, papier-mâché creatures and a brass band in a production that combines slapstick comedy with political commentary and celebration.
Bread & Puppet will also serve its signature sourdough rye bread with aioli following performances, while books, posters, postcards, pamphlets and banners from the Bread & Puppet Press will be available for purchase.
The Park Slope performance will give Brooklyn residents an opportunity to experience one of the country's longest-running nonprofit theater companies in a neighborhood setting.
Founded on New York City's Lower East Side in 1963 by Peter Schumann, Bread & Puppet later established its home in Vermont while continuing to tour nationally and internationally. Its approach emphasizes accessible theater and brings performances to community spaces and audiences who may not typically attend traditional theater productions.
Now in its 63rd year, Bread & Puppet continues its tradition of combining visual spectacle with social and political themes. “The Upside Down World Circus” uses oversized puppets, physical comedy, music and theatrical imagery to explore contemporary life through a surreal and politically charged performance.
Ticket prices vary by venue, but Bread & Puppet maintains its longstanding policy of not turning anyone away because they cannot afford admission.
Brooklyn residents can check Bread & Puppet Theater’s fall tour schedule for Park Slope performance dates, locations and ticket information. The full schedule is available through the company’s website.
