January 10, 2025 | General, Theatre,

Puppetry in Life & Times of Michael K

The art form of puppetry can evoke feelings of childhood, causing us to imagine childhood stories coming to life through small figures. But in the theatre, puppetry has been utilized on the stage to convey theatrical stories and powerful narratives. ArtsEmerson’s latest production, Life & Times of Michael K, puppetry is used to elevated the story of survival and human spirit.  The usage of puppetry enriches the narrative of the character, Michael K, and connects the audience to the social impact this production comes with.

Through Handspring Puppet Company’s inventive, stunning puppetry creations (you may remember Handspring Puppet Company from their work on Little Amal in 2023), the incredible journey of Michael K is brought to life as the titular character journeys across war-torn South Africa to return back to the farm where he grew up. The multiple puppets in this show  create a massively impactful visual, making critics and audiences alike call this show an absolute must-see.

Life & Times of Michael K utilizes puppets to convert the way elements of his environment affect him. Michael interacts with puppets during symbolic moments, where words and human actions perhaps cannot convey the depth of traveling through war-torn countries, and visuals can enhance the meaning. Puppets are used in this theatrical space to break down the wall between what could be, and what is, and explore depths of the human imagination on stage.

This show, brought to Boston from South Africa by The Baxter Theatre Centre and Handspring Puppet Company, is running for a limited time at the Emerson Paramount Center from Jan 31-Feb 9. Tickets are still available on the ArtsEmerson website or can be purchased over the phone or in person at the Box Office on Washington Street in Downtown Boston. Don’t miss your chance to see this once-in-a-lifetime production!