Chicago Puppet Fest presents:
Back by popular demand, Dead as a Dodo raucously takes us deep within the underworld, where two skeleton friends, a Dodo and a boy, concerned about disappearing completely, notice something peculiar: the Dodo is miraculously sprouting feathers! A wave of transformation begins, shattering the established order of the dead. As the Dodo continues to grow flesh, fear and chaos erupt. The two friends must flee, fighting to stay together as they are drawn into the heart of an epic battle between life and death. Infused with puppetry, humor, and stunningly innovative visual effects, Dead as a Dodo is a mesmerizing musical odyssey about survival, transformation, and the power of true friendship.
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, January 21 at 7 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m.
Location:
The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building
410 S. Michigan Ave.
Cost:
$48 Regular
$40 Students and Seniors
Ages: 8 and up
Running Time: 80 mins
ADA Accessible? Yes
Wakka Wakka is a critically acclaimed non-profit visual theater company founded by co-artistic directors Kirjan Waage and Gwendolyn Warnock. Dead as a Dodo is Wakka Wakka’s fifth major co-production with Nordland Visual Theater. Since 2001, Wakka Wakka has created and produced 13 original works which have toured extensively throughout the US and abroad. With subject matter ranging from the financial crisis in Iceland (SAGA), to international consumerism and human rights (Made in China), to genetic manipulation and the survival of mankind far into the future (The Immortal Jellyfish Girl). The company has collaborated with the Oslo Philharmonic, Riksteatret, the Arctic Philharmonic, Animando Studios, and MiNensemblet among others. Wakka Wakka has been honored with an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award, and two UNIMA Citations of Excellence. Additionally, the company’s work has won awards in China and Croatia and has been nominated for four Drama Desk Awards, a Helen Hayes Award and a Hewes Design Award. wakkawakka.org
The Studebaker Theater, located in the heart of the Fine Arts Building, has been a beacon of Chicago’s arts and culture scene since the late 1800s. Originally established as a space for vaudeville and live theater, this beautifully restored venue is renowned for its intricate architecture and rich history. This year, the Studebaker Theater will serve as a centerpiece for the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, hosting some of our most captivating performances. Audiences can immerse themselves in the festival’s magic while surrounded by the unique charm and legacy of this historic theater, making it a perfect setting for a celebration of puppetry and the arts.
