O’Neill Puppetry Conference Announces 2004 Summer Season
Kathryn Mullen Returns to The O’Neill
With A Performance That Speaks to Our Times

Waterford, CT, June 6th, 2004 — LANDMINE EDUCATION PROJECT FOR AFGHANISTAN was announced by Pam Arciero, to open the 2004 O’Neill Puppetry conference.

This unique project came about in response to 9/11. Originator Kathryn Mullen explains: “We took the tale of the famed puppet Pinocchio, in order to capture the children’s attention while still being able to get across the message of the dire consequences of stepping on a landmine.”

The project will involve a video shot at the O’Neill that will be shown simultaneously with live puppet performances. Mullen adds, “The O’Neill has helped enormously by giving us full use of the facility and it’s resources.” Once the film version of the project is complete Mullen and her group plan to deliver the message via OMAR, the local Afghan mine clearing group. Arciero is thrilled that The O’Neill is able to be part of this extremely important project, stating, Arciero is thrilled that the O’Neill has stepped forward to make the Landmine Education Project for Afghanistan possible, stating, “Kathryn has been working on this project for almost two years and we are ecstatic to be able to provide the space and the professional manpower to help get it done.”

Blair Thomas is the conference’s second guest artist. Thomas, whose work explores the new wave of puppetry, will be working with the participants. His “Paper Scroll and Shadow Theater Workshop” utilizes a panoramic moving background, an element that Thomas himself developed. The emphasis will be on conception and execution of original works through the course of the workshop.

Jim Rose will also be returning this year. Rose, the son of Rufus and Margo Rose and well known to Waterford residents, will be teaching the artistry of marionette puppetry.

The Emerging Artists projects will continue with past participants returning to work on longer pieces. These artists will have the added bonus of volunteers from Flock Theater’s actors and puppeteers.

The focus of the O’Neill Puppetry Conference is two-fold: to encourage puppet artists from around the country and the world to create and communicate through the visual and kinetic form of the puppet, and to develop new works for puppet theater. Artists are encouraged to develop a vision as puppeteers and storytellers in all elements of the production process, from concept and script development to design and construction of the puppet

Performances of work created at the O’Neill Puppetry Conference will be presented Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th at 7:30p.m. Ticket prices range from $8 to $12. To reserve tickets or receive a summer schedule, call the O’Neill Center at 860-443-5378 or the box office at 860-443-1238 (after June 11).

For more information about the artists and projects please visit the website at www.Oneillpuppetryconference.com and/or www.Oneilltheatercenter.org