In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

HOBT began in 1973 as Powderhorn Puppet Theatre, named for Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. In 1975, the theatre organized their first May Day procession and event. About 50-60 people and a few puppets marched, raised a maypole in the park, and had some speeches. In the next years, the event grew and evolved into a way to celebrate community builders. based on a suggestion by poet and theatre member Steven Lisner. HOBT then purchased the Avalon Theatre in 1990 for the building and staging of productions. In 1999, the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota exhibited Theatre of Wonder: Twenty-five Years In the Heart of the Beast, celebrating the works and productions by the theatre. In 2018, the organization was awarded a grant by The Jerome Foundation. This ongoing effort also supports renovation of East Lake Street properties impacted by civil unrest during the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. In April 2023, HOBT launched a free puppet & mask lending library, which includes free programming, such as puppet story time and make and take crafts. In late 2024, In the Heart of the Beast announced that the theatre would be moving out of the Avalon Theatre, citing the need for increased accessibility as a primary reason for the decision. == Productions ==

Over the years, productions have used various styles of puppet and mask performances, including bunraku and larger-than-life puppets. • "Haunted Avalon" (2023) • "Puppet Fashion Show" (2023) • "Impact Theory of Mass Extinction" by Junauda Petrus (2022) • "The Minotaur or: Amelia Earhart is Alive and Traveling in the Underworld" (2018) • "Make Believe Neighborhood", celebrating Mr. Rogers (2018) • "La Natividad" (2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006) • "Crow Boy", based on the children's book by Taro Yashima (2016) • "Queen" by Junauda Petrus and Erik Ehn (2016) • "La Befana" (2010, 2001, 1995, 1991, 1989, 1988, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1979, 1974) • "The Story of Iqbal Masih" (1997) • "Don Quixote" (1994, 1993) • "This Land", a tribute to Woody Guthrie (1993) • "Beowulf" (1985) • "The Fisherman and His Wife" (1975, 1974) == May Day Parade and Tree of Life Ceremony ==

. The annual parade hosted by In the Heart of the Beast Theatre drew large crowds and showcased large puppets and floats and entertainment by performers. Each year's parade/festival had a theme, ranging from Spring and environmental topics to social topics like peace and racial justice. The event also featured a festival in Powderhorn Park and a Tree of Life Ceremony involving more than 300 performers. In March 2019, a short documentary entitled "Children of Spring" premiered. The documentary focuses on the children involved in the May Day parade and festival. The film premiere helped raise $15,000 for May Day. In February 2023, the Board of HOBT decided to release May Day Celebrations to the community. Following that announcement, future May Day events or actions were independently produced by community groups, and not part of official HOBT programming. May Day Parade gallery Image:May Day Parade -1-Minneapolis-2007-05-06.jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15676505307).jpg Image:May_Day_Parade-2-_2007-05-06.jpg Image:May Day Parade-Minneapolis-20070506.jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15676131569).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15676376587).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15675014220).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15676380847).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15862292995).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15860142701).jpg Image:MayDay Parade, Minneapolis (15860151061).jpg Image:Minneapolis May Day Parade 15860321641.jpg Image:Minneapolis May Day Parade — Tuba Bike 4572548265 o.jpg Image:Minneapolis May Day Parade 2018 -- We Feed You Love float.jpg == See also ==