Many people think of puppets as mute, but a new art collective believes these stickmen have a lot to say. “We’re all very inspired by finding more creative ways to speak out and have our voices heard, and I think the puppets really can do that in different ways,” says Puppets Et Cetera member Winnie Bower. The months-old puppet-making group might be familiar to you for its Peter Kelly effigy protest participant (and later reincarnation as Darrell Dexter). Puppets Et Cetera has since been working on new creations for the ongoing Mayworks festival. Its Puppets on Parade event seeks to illuminate the injustices of migrant labour and explore exactly what is meant by ethical food. “We’d like people to become aware of not only where their food comes [from], but also how it is produced and by whom,” says Bower. The parade will begin on the waterfront across the from the Historic Farmers’ Market and make its way to Bishop’s Landing, accompanied by the lively tunes of Samba Nova. Onlookers can expect circus acts and a concluding puppet performance as well.
Saturday May 5, waterfront across from the Historic Brewery Market, 1496 Lower Water Street, 10am-1pm, 492-4043
This article appears in May 3-9, 2012.