Offering a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, films and exhibitions, the 2025 Festival of Animated Objects is a non-stop celebration of puppetry and mask arts.
With so much to choose from and indeed something for everyone, The Scene has curated a list of some of the performances we are most excited to check out this month.
Choosing just five shows out of such a diverse and unique lineup was a tough task! Think of this as a starting point before checking out the entire schedule and planning your festival experience.
Puppet Pop-Ups at Rocky Ridge YMCA
Various days at various times
This free, family-friendly event by WP Puppet Theatre is Popping Up with Drop By puppet making at the premiere of LiLuune – a brand-new puppet production by Jamie Konchak. The quick take-home puppet project features creations with natural fibres, echoing the aesthetic of LiLunne. Braid a yarn doll, ink stamp, or make a furry-faced friend. Volunteers will be on hand, and materials and instructions will be supplied.
RETROSPECT photo exhibition
YMCA Rocky Ridge, March 11 – 23
A photo exhibition for people who love to meet the maker, RETROSPECT reveals more than two dozen portraits of artists and performers captured during the festival’s 23-year history. Dennie focuses on capturing the people behind the puppets with his lens, acting as an “audience of one” to evoke intimate moments with artists and their art.
Arctic Tall Tales / Racontars arctiques
Vertigo Theatre, March 13 (French) and 14 (English), 7 p.m. – 8:25 p.m.
Presented in partnership by WP Puppet Theatre and Alliance Française, family-friendly Arctic Tall Tales is originally a collection of short stories brimming with humour and humanity, as well as a series of delightfully addictive graphic novels. Anne LaLancette is presenting a larger-than-life version where puppetry, storytelling, live music and sound are blended to create a universe both uproarious and poetic.
Dolly Wiggler Cabaret
Royal Canadian Legion #1, March 14 and 15, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Experience a vibrant showcase of short-form mask and puppetry performances for adults, featuring a variety of artists in a lively cabaret setting. Hosted by Xstine Cook, this event promises a night of entertainment and creativity. The Dolly Wiggler Cabaret is the best way to experience a dazzling and diverse lineup of various puppetry and mask artists in one night.
Rubber film screening
Globe Theatre, March 19, 8:30 p.m.
This deliriously insane R-rated film from 2010 is about Robert, who is a tire. Yes, a tire. And he’s alive, sentient and livid. Robert is angry that society doesn’t treat tires all that well, and when he sees humans burning a pile of his brethren, he goes a little mad. Did we mention that Robert also has the power of telekinesis and can also make things explode? There’s a secret special guest in attendance, so don’t miss out.
The Stories We Write/Right by Jennifer Lynn Bain
Loose Moose Theatre, March 21 and 23, 7:30 p.m.
A delightfully absurd and reflective journey through the life of a one ‘n’ Jen, The Stories We W̶r̶i̶t̶e̶ Right blends a playful spirit with timeless wisdom. This show explores the choices, thoughts and twists of the past, offering insights into how they’ve shaped the present. Full of humour, heart, unexpected revelations and sheep, this show invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and connect through unexpected storytelling and silliness.
The Twilight Glow of Romeo by Nicola Elson
Erratics Indie Arts Club, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
Imagine Shakespeare’s tragedy of young love re-contextualized through the lens of aging, grief, and loss. The Twilight Glow of Romeo is a new take on a familiar story, exploring two star-crossed senior lovers finding one another after a lifetime spent with different partners. Abstract puppetry, masks, shadow theatre, and more help bring this new take to life, shining a light on the loss of autonomy one struggles with as one ages and how this impacts our attitude towards romance.
