They call themselves Dead Puppet Society but that’s a bit of a misnomer. I mean, I get the joke, but here’s the thing – they bring puppets to life in the most wonderful way, as anyone who has been to their shows knows.
We have spent some wonderful nights at the theatre seeing shows like Laser Beak Man, Storm Boy, The Wider Earth, Ishmael and Holding Achilles, to mention a few.
They have a new one in the works, The Riddle of Washpool Gully, coming to QPAC soon, and it’s also touring regionally. So, the puppets are not dead at all, as executive producer Nicholas Paine points out. “They’re more alive than ever,” he says.
Now here’s the thing – you can make your own puppet and bring it to life, too, thanks to what must be Brisbane’s primo boutique arts offering.
I’m talking about Dead Puppet Society’s Sculptures & Sips workshops where you get to sip Prosecco (they also have soft drink), sculpt and spark your imagination under the expert guidance of Dead Puppet Society artisans. It all happens at their studio at Woolloongabba, next to the Princess Theatre.
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It is a place where magic happens. If you sign on for one of these workshops (and there are plenty this year) you’ll craft a stunning moving sculpture inspired by Australia’s native wildlife.
Watch laser-cut pieces come to life as you enjoy a drink (not too many, we presume) and connect with fellow creatives. No experience is required. It is a great initiative for Dead Puppet Society fans, but Paine points out that a lot of people signing on are not even that familiar with the company’s work.
“They are just people looking for a bespoke creative activity,” he says. “And they get to walk away with a custom creation. DPS has always been passionate about opening our doors to the public.”
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And they have a nice big front window, so you can see what they are up to anytime you are passing by.
At a Sculptures & Sips session you will be welcomed into their Fabrication Workshop for an experience that blends art, design and a little mechanical magic. Guided by DPS’s expert artisans, you will learn the fundamentals of creature design and laser-cut fabrication while creating a moving sculpture. It is a three-hour after-hours workshop filled with shared workbenches, friendly conversation and people keen to create.
Each of the Sculptures & Sips workshops guides you through creating a moving, mechanical, native wildlife-inspired sculpture that you get to take home – from a delicate Flapping Butterfly modelled off butterfly species endemic to Queensland, to an intricate Mechanical Reef inspired by the iconic Great Barrier Reef, or a classic Flying Bird designed to embody the magnificent birds native to this region. And we have just heard that whales are on the program for later in the year.
Every session is hands-on and led by the very artisans who dream up the puppets and props for Dead Puppet Society’s acclaimed productions.
More than just a workshop, Sculptures & Sips is an opportunity to slow down, meet fellow creatives and learn the behind-the-scenes magic of puppet design, all while enjoying some drinks and conversation. All you need is curiosity, creativity and a willingness to give it a go.
Unleash your inner creative and join Dead Puppet Society for your chance to sip, craft and bring to life a mechanical masterpiece.
Sculptures & Sips’ three-hour workshops are held at Dead Puppet Society, 6 Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba. Age 12-plus. The cost is $135. Go to the website for tickets and times:
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