Chicago Puppet Fest presents:
Awaiting their mother’s return. three sisters in World War II distract themselves as they hide in a tiny, cold room working to preserve a semblance of the life they once knew. While reality is falling apart, their bodies come together from pieces of broken dolls — and memories. A fantasticly, absurd world full of humor, but not skirting the seriousness of the situation, House by the Lake swings expertly between musical cabaret and contemporary puppetry.
Dates/Times:
Friday, January 17 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 18 at 8 pm
Sunday, January 19 at 1 pm
Location: MCA Chicago, Edlis Neeson Theater, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Cost: $48/$40 students & seniors
Ages: 15 and up
Running Time: 60 mins
ADA Accessible? Yes
Yael Rasooly, an acclaimed puppeteer from Israel, creates intimate and poetic performances that blend puppetry with visual storytelling. Her work is known for exploring personal and historical narratives, drawing audiences into detailed, emotionally rich worlds. At this year’s festival, Edith and Me tells a story of memory and identity, inviting audiences on a deeply personal journey. Furthermore, in The House by the Lake, Yael Rasooly continues her exploration of memory and mystery through her signature intricate puppetry style. Known for crafting unique, detail-rich settings, Rasooly’s work pulls audiences into a world where the past surfaces through layered storytelling. These festival performances offer a suspenseful and nostalgic experience that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) has been at the forefront of showcasing innovative and thought-provoking art since its founding in 1967. Known for its emphasis on contemporary art and culture, MCA is the perfect venue for the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, where puppetry is elevated to an art form that blends visual aesthetics with performance. The festival’s performances at MCA will explore modern themes through puppetry, offering audiences a chance to see this ancient art form reimagined in a contemporary context. The collaboration between MCA and the festival highlights the power of puppetry to transcend traditional artistic boundaries and engage with modern-day issues in a compelling way.
