(MyKeeneNow) – Sandglass Theater will be pulling the strings – literally – this weekend at a biannual international festival in the rolling hills of southern Vermont.

The Putney, VT-based puppet theater will host its 12th edition of the Puppets in the Green Mountains titled “Just Around the Bend” this Saturday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 15. The eight-day event will feature an eclectic mix of performances, workshops, and discussions at a handful of venues in and around the Brattleboro area, all centered around the interplay between evolving technologies and organic knowledge.

A festival rooted in community and international exchange

Over its 28-year history, the Puppets in the Green Mountains festival has evolved from a local event into a significant cultural gathering that draws thousands of attendees.

According to Shoshana Bass, artistic director of Sandglass Theater, the festival’s expansion is a testament to its growing importance as a platform for international exchange and community engagement.

“At its core, the festival is about more than just celebrating puppetry,” Bass explains. “It’s a dynamic way to address global issues, foster connections, and imagine a world where generosity and creativity lead to meaningful dialogue. Puppetry creates a space for connection—something our world desperately needs right now.”

The festival’s commitment to community is evident not only in its programming but also in its hospitality. International artists are housed and fed by local residents, fostering deep connections that often extend beyond the festival. “These relationships have led to community members visiting artists in their home countries and attending other festivals,” Bass notes, emphasizing the long-lasting bonds formed through these cultural exchanges.

A lineup of diverse performances and innovative works

This year’s festival will feature performances from artists across the globe, including Germany, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United States. The shows range from family-friendly performances to those intended for adult audiences, each exploring the festival’s theme in unique ways.

Highlights include:

  • “Feral” by Sandglass Theater: Premiering at the festival, this new ensemble piece explores the tension between wildness and domestication, portrayed through the transformation of a woman into a werewolf.
  • “Bois (Woods)” by Puzzle Theater from Canada: A wordless children’s show where pieces of wood come to life, showcasing the playful possibilities of puppetry.
  • “The Road of Useless Splendor” by MaskHunt Motions: This Puerto Rican production, developed by Deborah Hunt, weaves AI-generated imagery with traditional puppetry to tell a tale of two alchemists on a journey through time.
  • “Free as a Robot” by FAB-Theater from Germany: A show that examines the relationship between robots and humans, exploring how technology interacts with the essence of humanity.

In addition to live performances, the festival will feature the screening of “Strings,” a 2004 cult film made entirely with marionette puppets. Bernd Ogrodnik, the lead puppet designer for the film, will fly in from Iceland to present a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of creating this unique cinematic experience.

Workshops and panels: Expanding the conversation

The educational aspect of the festival is equally robust, offering attendees the chance to delve deeper into the art of puppetry. A masterclass led by Xavier Bobés, a Spanish artist known for his work in object theater, will explore the potential of objects in performance, focusing on the ways they can evoke emotions and memories.

A series of panels under the banner Access Through the Arts will pair guest artists with local community leaders to discuss the festival’s themes in the context of local and global issues. These discussions aim to extend the conversation beyond the stage, inviting the community to reflect on the intersection of art, technology, and social change.

A celebration of connection and creativity

The festival’s impact goes beyond its artistic offerings. According to Bass, the themes explored in the performances often provide a vehicle for broader community engagement. “The show is maybe a doorway to something that could potentially have a wider community impact,” she says, highlighting the festival’s role in fostering dialogue around important issues.

To celebrate the festival’s ongoing success and ensure its future, Sandglass Theater will host a gala on Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. The evening will feature entertainment, a silent auction, and a special puppet surprise, culminating in a procession to the premiere of “Feral.”

Puppets in the Green Mountains happens this Saturday, Sept. 7 through Sunday, Sept. 15 at Sandglass Theater and Nextstage Arts, both in Putney; and the Latchis Theater, New England Youth Theater and Hilltop Montessori School, all0 in Brattleboro. For specific event locations and times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Sandglass Theater website.