Commune

Hidden in the picturesque hills of northern Vermont, lies the politically radical, pro-Earth, Bread & Puppet Theater. Originally founded in New York City in 1963 by Peter Schumann, the theater gained it’s name from Peter’s habit of serving fresh baked bread to his audiences. Bread and Puppet productions are often remembered as an integral part of the political spectacle during the 1960s; its enormous puppets (sometimes towering up to twenty feet tall) were a staple of many demonstrations. 

A precession of actors and puppets lead us in to one of the theater’s weekly performances. Following the performance (true to tradition) we shared slices of delicious fresh baked bread.

The original 18th Century Dairy Barn that remains on the property, is home to the Bread & Puppet Museum; a reliquary of the theater’s papier-mâché puppets some of which have survived since the 1960s.

Wandering through the property, we came across scattered relics of Bread & Puppet’s rich history; hand made shrines to some of the theaters integral members and beautifully decorated school buses that were once home to the theater’s traveling shows.

 The Bread & Puppet Press, directed by Peter Schumann’s wife Elka, produces posters, cards, and zines on the theater’s themes.

“The Puppet Master” himself; Peter Schumann, founder of Bread & Puppet Theater.

Bread & Puppet’s Website

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