Puppets Elora Presents ‘Domestic Bliss’ at Fergus Steampunk Fest

FERGUS – Puppets Elora is thrilled to announce their latest performance, Domestic Bliss, set to captivate audiences at the inaugural Fergus Steampunk Festival on Sept. 9.

The inception of this innovative puppet performance stemmed from an intriguing proposal by Tony Deluca. 

As Annerose Schmidt, a local sculptor and puppeteer undertaking a rigorous course in wooden puppet creation by maestro Bernd Ogrudnik of Iceland, notes, “The initial idea was an abstract face design, but I quickly discovered the core essence of Steampunk: the clothing. This challenge was an incredible learning experience.”

Schmidt’s creativity flourished, resulting in the conception of Willy Weevil, a unique puppet boasting not only the capability to fly but also to convey emotions through facial rotations. 

Further inspiration gave rise to his counterpart, the Weary Weevil wife, Wilma. 

The playful narrative revolves around Wilma’s escapades as she dives into the world of Steampunk, offering a comedic glance into their domestic life.

Coupled with co-author Jonathan Schmidt’s knack for puns and story consistency, the duo crafted a puppet show that has left their circle of family and friends in splits, with contributions of sci-fi insights enhancing the tale’s richness.

For those intrigued by this blend of craftsmanship and storytelling, don’t miss Domestic Bliss. 

The performance is a part of the “Cogs and Clockwork” at the Fergus Steampunk Festival. 

Festival attendees can anticipate a whirlwind of entertainment with fashion shows, teapot races, circus acts, and much more, all set against the charming backdrop of downtown Fergus, right in front of the Fergus Library.

The festival runs for one day only, Sept. 9. Elora Puppets performs at 11:45am, 2:50pm and 4:45pm outside the Fergus Library. Shows last about 30 minutes.

For more details about the Fergus Steampunk Festival, visit the festival’s website at sites.google.com/view/cogs-and-clockwork/home or search for “cogs & clockwork – Fergus steampunk festival” on Facebook.

Join the fun, embrace the Steampunk spirit, and delve into a world where imagination knows no bounds.