Blood from a Turnip 10/15/04, Providence (curatorial)

Blood from a Turnip, October 15, 2004, design: Marsian De Lellis
Blood from a Turnip, October 15, 2004, design: Marsian De Lellis

On October 15th, 2004, I curated and hosted Blood from a Turnip, Rhode Island’s only late-night puppetry salon, with Vanessa Gilbert at Perishable Theater in Downtown Providence.

Performers included myself with The Adventures of Michael Jackson and the Animals of Neverland Ranch, Adam Gerstacov, and Marya Errin Jones.

From the press release:

BLOOD FROM A TURNIP – OCTOBER 15
Rhode Island’s Oldest late-night Puppet Salon SEASON PREMIERE!

Providence: Blood From a Turnip, Rhode Island’s  Oldest Late-Night Puppet Salon, returns to Perishable  Theatre on October 15 with a brand new season of  strange, unusual, and humorous puppetry that packs a punch.

Performances will include:

The Adventures of Michael Jackson and the Animals of Neverland Ranch – Chapter 3, Jackson’s Private Zoo  performed by Marsian De Lellis & Abby Saunders
Performance artist, Marsian and dance mogul, Abby  Saunders take the puppet community by storm when  they team up for The Adventures of Michael Jackson  and the Animals of Neverland Ranch which focuses on  Jackson’s whimsical abuse of the animals in his private zoo. “South Park” meets traditional Javanese shadow  puppetry in a story that is so disturbing, so fabulous, so  scandalous, it can only be told through puppetry!

Vote For Mr. Punch:  It’s Time to Put A Real Puppet in the White House, presented by the most educated clown in America, Adam G. Gertsacov When Mr. Punch, the classic cantankerous puppet, decides to get involved in politics, just about  anything can (and does) happen. This free-wheeling show combines traditional characters, classic comedy bits, the news of the day, and many surprise guests. By the end of the show, Mr. Punch learns the hard way (and  the audience learns the fun way) the importance of the
electoral process.

Up South, a tragic comedy! (excerpt)  created by Marya Errin Jones, a newcomer to
Providence, and Dell’Arte alum, Jones presents a musical/puppet show woven into a tale about  immigration, voodoo, and. . . Orson Welles. Go figure!

Blood from a Turnip will be held on
Friday, October 15 at 10:30pm
and can be seen at Perishable Theatre, located at 95 Empire Street  in downtown Providence.  Tickets are $5 at the door.