Jefferson Market Library Twist keeps alive one of the original traditions of the Parade (founded by Ralph Lee); puppets manipulated from homes and buildings along the parade route for the delight of the participants. Twist’s ghostly spider makes her yearly appearance, calling on and greeting the wildly original nighttime procession, from the gothic Clock Tower of The Jefferson Market Library. Zohra, who calls this New York City Landmark her home is a visual treat for those participating in the Parade and those gathered underneath the Tower. Twist’s beloved arachnid has ushered in over 25 years of puppetry at the head of the Parade, curated and created by Processional Arts Workshop. To help with Zohra, contact Barbara@tandemotter.org.ZOHRA the SPIDER APPEARS!
The 51st Village Halloween Parade
Thursday October 31
New York City 7:30-9:30pm
An unexpected treat for audiences following the September 2024 sold-out performances of “Dogugaeshi”; Twist exhibits for the first-time ever the set towers, screens and puppetry of his elegant masterwork - viewed in Situ, as a part of “Backstage Bunraku”. Continuing the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the 2024 world premiere performances created for The Japan Society Stage, Dogugaeshi is on striking view in the Society's gallery through January 19, 2025. This rare glimpse from the performers point of view further illuminates the mystery of this revived artform. 道具返し
DOGUGAESHI EXHIBITION
Photo by Richard Termine, 2024
NOVEMER 17, 1PM Dartmouth Campus "This bewitching film captures Basil Twist's visionary performance with puppets swirling majestically in a 1,000 gallon water tank and piano accompaniment." This original full length film is not just a document of a performance, but rather an artistic expression in its own right. A delight for anyone who enjoys puppetry, it weaves imagery as seen by the audience with the unseen backstage ballet of the puppeteers and the emotional synergy of the live musical performance.SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE FILM
FOR MORE DETAILS
AVAILABLE FOR SCREENINGS NOW Twist revisited his legendary masterpiece with live accompaniment by the virtuosic Christopher O'Riley playing the exquisite Liszt transcription for concert piano and in a significantly larger aquarium in 2018. Symphonie floated and swirled for a critically lauded and sold-out six-month run, fortunately allowing the finest performances to be captured in front of, behind, and inside the 1,000-gallon water tank by Twist's own hand. The resulting film is not just a document of a performance but rather an artistic expression in its own right. It weaves imagery as seen by the audience with the unseen backstage ballet of the puppeteers and the emotional synergy of the live musical performance. The film's World premiere was at the 2019 World Puppetry Festival in Charleville Mezieres, France. This is Basil Twist’s first full length film.SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE FILM
Basil’s work has reached audiences beyond the walls of the theater in part through Richard Termine's singular photography. From the intimate underwater abstraction of “Symphonie Fantastique” to the gigantic “Rite of Spring”, Richard's camera has uniquely captured Basil's development as a puppeteer, designer, and director. This exhibition is presented by Tandem Otter Productions and has been funded with major support from The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson. Available for bookings now. Email Barbara@tandemotter.org for more information.ART OF BASIL TWIST EXHIBITION
From the The Art of Basil Twist exhibition at The Chicago International Puppet Festival 2023
Since coming to New York over 23 years ago, Basil Twist has garnered an international reputation as an audacious designer, director and performer. He creates iconic, visionary puppetry worlds with a remarkable range of style and scope appearing in intimate nightclubs to large orchestra halls. He is a sought after collaborator for theater, dance, opera and film. His utterly unique approaches have been recognized with multiple awards and fellowships; critical acclaim and have furthered contemporary artistry and the technical craft of puppetry. "No theatre artist in New York is showing more poetic force or technical skill than the puppeteer Basil Twist." -The New Yorker
