Photo courtesy of Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
Dive into the fanciful world of puppetry at the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, which presents master puppeteers from around the world in an array of performances throughout the city. Performance tickets range from $20-$45 but the festival also supplies a selection of free events during the festival on January 18-28, 2024.
Pop-Up Puppet Hub
When: January 18-28, 2024
Where: The Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., 4th Fl.
Times: Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-9:30 pm, Saturday 9 am- 9:30 pm, Sunday noon- 6 pm
Check out the free exhibits, ” The Materiality of the Puppet”, displaying design renderings for the 2024 festival productions and “Lobo lobo estas ahi?” (The Beasts wait inside) a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the wild puppets for the “Beast Dance” production by La Liga Teatro Elastico. Relax at the Spoke & Bird Pop-Up cafe and enjoy soups, baked goods and drinks.
Tears By The River Free Neighborhood Tour
When: January 18-28, 2024
Where: Ten locations across the city, including Navy Pier, Berger Park and South Shore Cultural Center. Check out the neighborhood tour schedule here.
Krystal Puppeteers from Mombassa, Kenya blend traditional Kenyan puppetry, art and vocals to tell the classic folktale of Libendi, the brave monkey. The 35-minute production is great for the whole family.
The Beast Dance (Or the Secret Spell of the Wind)
When: January 20, 2024
Where: National Museum of Mexican Fine Art, 1852 W. 19th St.
Time: 2 pm
La Liga Teatro Elastico celebrates the role of wildlife predators within the natural ecosystem with community interaction, a live band and spectacle. The free performance runs for 75 minutes.
Wakka Wakka Drop-In Workshops
When: January 20 and 21
Where: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Time: 2:45 pm
Wakka Wakka Productions from Norway and the U.S. hosts a free workshop to guide participants in how to create their own masks.
