Bread and Puppet Theater is still working to 'make the revolution irresistible'

"Giant white birds on rods soared high over marchers against U.S. military actions in Vietnam, Central America, Iraq and Gaza. Performers milled on the street with bobbing paper mache heads of Uncle Sam and other caricatures. First founded in 1963, Bread and Puppet has been a mainstay of radical political performance, with its annual Fall Circus touring the country for more than fifty years."

""The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible," says Abril Barajas, with a big smile. The puppeteer, who recently turned 30, is among 15 in the troupe traveling to 33 U.S. cities with this year's show, entitled "Our Domestic Resurrection Revolution In Progress." "Peter is all about the revolution and so are we," Barajas says, with reverence. "It's still his show. He's still directing every single show.""

"Rooted in 14th century traditions of traveling plays, Bread and Puppet gives a contemporary glowup to medieval mystery cycles, with a tongue-in-cheek version of the Biblical story of creation, as well as pointed political sketches that lampoon greedy billionaires, support American labor unions and criticize Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The 2025 show is staunchly pro-Palestinian, with a mourning puppet in a black abaya carrying a child-shaped shroud and performers waving flags bearing red poppies, a symbol of Palestinian loyalty to the land."

Bread and Puppet Theater originated in 1963 and became known for large-scale street performances during anti-war protests. The troupe combines medieval traveling-play traditions with contemporary political satire and ritual, touring annually with its Fall Circus. Performances feature giant rod-held birds, oversized paper-mâché caricatures, Biblical-themed mystery cycles, and sketches targeting billionaires, supporting labor unions, and criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Human performers distribute freshly baked sourdough bread to audiences after shows. The 2025 production, Our Domestic Resurrection Revolution In Progress, emphasizes pro-Palestinian imagery, including a mourning puppet in a black abaya and flags with red poppies. Peter Schumann, age 91, continues to direct every show.

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