Upcoming events.
The Gnädiges Fräulein by Tennessee Williams
In a ramshackle cottage on a windswept coast, three failed Southern Belles compete for sustenance against their fellow misfits and a population of monstrous seabirds. This is a surrealist nightmare exposing the animal nature of social climbing, the elusiveness of belonging, and the ineluctability of collapse. And it is a comedy.
Adapted for the stage by The Mudlark Puppeteers
Told in rod puppetry, shadows and marionettes.
Friday March 27th, Saturday March 28th, and Sunday March 29th at 9pm
At The Mudlark Public Theatre
1200 Port St New Orleans 70117
Link to box office. Limited seating. Get your tickets today.
BUBBLEGUM - a Solo Clown+Puppets+Storytelling Show Whimsically Set in a Dumpster Fire
A NOT-for-children Children's "TV" shot, whimsically set in a dumpster fire!
Dive into the eccentrically disturbing world of BUBBLEGUM - a solo clown+puppetry+story telling show! Join our "live studio" audience and experience nostalgia, 20 things to do with gum, a vagina with teeth, an anarchist survival giuide disguised as a puppet, and more!
Basically, welcome to 1984's Sesame Street, located in Chernobyl!
ANATOMICA
A hilarious, captivating, and sometimes-unsettling-comedy about skeletal systems and the horrors of living in a body
THEY. ARE. BAAAAAACK.
After a sold out show in 2024, International Comedian & Weird-Lil’-Gremlin, Amica Hunter (they/them), returns to NOLA for another captivating show at Mudlark. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a worm? You are not alone. Amica GETS UNDER YOUR SKIN and CRUSHES YOUR FUNNY BONE in this hilarious, captivating, and sometimes-unsettling-comedy about skeletal systems and the horrors of living in a body. ANATOMICA is an intimate, unpredictable exploration of zoological fascination, chronic pain, & the collective imagination. It is a show striving to answer one crucial universal question - What is the BEST type of skeleton?!?!?
With candidness and a comfortably casual tone, Amica reviews the three skeletal systems found in animals and discusses the pros and cons of each one. What would it be like to inhabit a body completely alien from our classic human form? A gloriously deranged Ted-Talk by a wanna be scientist who dropped out of college to attend clown school instead.
Featuring a guided worm meditation, a slew of scientific animal facts, a butt-faced crab, and communication with the audience via a long plastic tube, ANATOMICA is an absurd shapeshifting show that will leave audiences with more questions than answers.
Part stand-up, part storytelling, and part clown, ANATOMICA is an investigation of the inadequacies of different animal body models, and a celebration of the absurdity of being trapped in a body that is limited by pain, fatigue, and ultimately decay. But, you know, make it fun.
ONE NIGHT ONLY at Mudlark Theatre
70min // PG-13
Tickets Sliding Scale $10-$20 Online (plus fees) // $15-$25 At The Door
Praise For ANATOMICA:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5 stars out of 5)
"Amica Hunter’s stand-up set disguised as a serious science lesson is like the mutant love child of Laurie Anderson and David Attenborough…ANATOMICA is an hour of chewy, fleshy charm.”
-The Edmonton Journal
“An expertly crafted piece of theater… Anatomica is definitely a must-see.”
-The Sappy Critic
“Biological, philosophical - both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
-The Orlando Sentinel
AWARDS:
Pick of the Fringe - Artists’ Choice Award - Cincinnati Fringe Festival (2023)
Edmonton Fringe Festival Official Holdover (2023)
Spirit of the Fringe Award - Asheville Fringe Festival (2025)
ABOUT THE RAT:
Amica Hunter (they/them) is your basic multi-layered mammalian organism - a creaking calcium scaffolding, wrapped in wet pulsing blood tubes and layers of raw meat, all dipped in a skin coating and rolled in hair. Like some sort of effed up, sentient, caramel apple. An all-purpose weirdo and Creator of Things™, Amica’s interests include cute living creatures, cute dead creatures, bad movies, tree climbing, napping, pranking their gynecologist, and gluing baby doll limbs to shoes. Amica enjoys pointing out the absurdity of things we take for granted, and our arbitrary systems of judgment that so often value all the wrong things.
Amica dropped out of college to attend clown school, and spent the subsequent decade touring original award-winning slapstick comedy shows as one half of the acrobatic clown duo, A Little Bit Off. They also devise and perform shows with Bruce Ryan Costella under the moniker 2 Sleepy Ratguys. Amica is the co-founder and producer of an annual queer horror theatre festival in Portland, OR - The Stage Fright Festival, which showcases the original works of independent queer and trans artists in the horror genre.
They also run Funerals For Life, an immersive event service offering “fake funerals” to living customers, for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversary parties. Amica has a great love of rats, and has kept them as cherished pets on and off throughout their life. Their current crop of rodents are The Cheese Brothers: Monsieur Poirot, Shredder, and Monica II, and they are spoiled as hell. Needless, to say, Amica is VERY busy and they have a LOT of ideas.
WANT MORE?
Check out Amica's OTHER show, playing at "Beanlandia" (3300 Royal Street) as part of the New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival:
TUBE TIED: A Mind-numbing Absolutely horseshit “Show“ About TUBES!…and… SECRETS?
“TUBE be, or not TUBE be?” IS that the question? Not really. Maybe? It doesn't really matter now, it’s too late. Behold! Amica approaches with a fistful of TUBES and a mouthful of WORDS, to give you an earful of SECRETS in this stand-up-lay-down squirm-around comedy set. It’s about secrets, it’s about cylindrical structures, and it TOTALY MAKES SENSE! 20+ time award winner Amica Hunter has “lost the plot” and seems to be “giving up” with this ridiculous anti-theatre “show” that is literally about literal tubes in the most literal way (...it has secrets in it, but is mainly about tubes). Like. What the f*ck!?!?
April 9th at 5pm
April 10th at 9pm
April 12th at 7pm
April 13th at 9pm
The Van Gogh Shogh by Donna Oblongata
The Van Gogh Shogh
On tour March 2026
“Engaging, lovable and extremely funny…inspired lunacy.” – Talkin’ Broadway
“Wild and raucous…top notch clowning and a very enjoyable night at the theater.” – Plays Unpleasant
One part deranged "Sip 'n Paint", one part karaoke night and one part Sotheby's. Performed in an actual painting studio, with 6 audience members given the chance to paint Starry Night under the tutelage of the master himself.
In The Van Gogh Shogh, Donna Oblongata uses the lens of Vincent Van Gogh's life and legacy to ask urgent questions about the nature of art, success, reproduction, and the meaning(lessness) of a creative life.
Acclaimed performer and clown Donna Oblongata has toured internationally for over a decade, shared the stage with Mikhail Baryshnikov in Slava's Snow Show and recently sold out a run at The Brick Theater in New York with The Van Gogh Shogh.
The Van Gogh Shogh
Written and Performed by Donna Oblongata
Directed by Francesca Montanile-Lyons
Runtime: 75 minutes
Date: WEDNESDAY, March 4th
Time: BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 7P, PERFORMANCE AT 7:30
Location: THE MUDLARK PUBLIC THEATRE 1200 PORT ST NOLA 70117
Tickets: $10 suggested, NOTAFLOF
This show is interactive and recommended for ages 12+
More information at: www.DonnaOblongata.com.
View a trailer here.
The Van Gogh Shogh by Donna Oblongata
The Van Gogh Shogh
On tour January 2026
“Engaging, lovable and extremely funny…inspired lunacy.” – Talkin’ Broadway
“Wild and raucous…top notch clowning and a very enjoyable night at the theater.” – Plays Unpleasant
One part deranged "Sip 'n Paint", one part karaoke night and one part Sotheby's. Performed in an actual painting studio, with 6 audience members given the chance to paint Starry Night under the tutelage of the master himself.
In The Van Gogh Shogh, Donna Oblongata uses the lens of Vincent Van Gogh's life and legacy to ask urgent questions about the nature of art, success, reproduction, and the meaning(lessness) of a creative life.
Acclaimed performer and clown Donna Oblongata has toured internationally for over a decade, shared the stage with Mikhail Baryshnikov in Slava's Snow Show and recently sold out a run at The Brick Theater in New York with The Van Gogh Shogh.
The Van Gogh Shogh
Written and Performed by Donna Oblongata
Directed by Francesca Montanile-Lyons
Runtime: 75 minutes
Date: SUNDAY Jan 4th
Time: BOX OFFICE OPENS AT 7P, PERFORMANCE AT 7:30
Location: THE MUDLARK PUBLIC THEATRE 1200 PORT ST NOLA 70117
Tickets: $10 suggested, NOTAFLOF
This show is interactive and recommended for ages 12+
More information at: www.DonnaOblongata.com.
View a trailer here.
The 12th Annual New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival's New Year's Eve Masquerade and Benefit Ball
The New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival is hosting a New Year’s Eve Masquerade and Benefit Ball. The evening will include live puppetry and music, a costume showcase, an artisanal bar and many surprises.
Join us at New Marigny Theatre at 2301 Marais St. on the night of Wednesday, December 31st. The doors will open at 8pm. Festivities begin at 8:30 and will continue ‘til midnight when we may greet the new year together.
With performances by
Leroy’s Place
The Mudlark Puppeteers
Velvet Effigy
Playdoh Puppet Productions
Poose the Puppet
Sierra Kay &
Bixby Boss
and music by
Drugstore Lipstick with Bimbo Yaga
Henhouse Hotbox &
DJ Paco
& food on offer from
Wukong Ramen
General admission $25. Children $10.
The Story of Sedna and The Snow Queen
Join us for spanning solstice with a moving double feature. Friday and Saturday, December 19th and 20th. Doors 6:30p. Show starts promptly at 7p.
Velvet Effigy presents The Story of Sedna: Mother of the Deep
A retelling of the Inuit creation myth, where a young girl becomes the goddess of the sea & ruler of the underworld. A hauntingly beautiful parable expressed through the interplay of shadow puppetry, marionettes, and video art.
The Mudlark Puppeteers present The Snow Queen
The tale of best friends, Kai and Gerda, and their strange adventures in the world of ‘The Snow Queen.‘ This is the story of a brave journey to young adulthood, where adversity is overcome through curiosity and open-heartedness and where friendship is saved from darkness by the power of love.
The Mudlark Public Theatre at 1200 Port St.
Doors at 6:30p. Show starts at 7p sharp.
Holiday Market
Monday, December 15th from 5 to 10p!
A magical menagerie of curious crafts.
At The Mudlark Public Theatre
XOXO
The Secret Circus
Welcome to The Secret Circus! When feelings have been outlawed, a gregarious rock-n-roll ringleader and their circus friends establish an underground Big Top, a place for freedom and self-expression that’s welcome to all identities—person, animal, or puppet.
Big feelings are safe under The Mudlark's Big Top, where tight rope walkers, jugglers, and dancing frogs channel their emotions into art, away from the clutches of the “feelings police.”
This family and LGBTQ-friendly show features live music, with both human and puppet circus acts. Original Book, Music, and Lyrics by Chanel Samson and Holly Anne Mitchell, featuring The Mudlark’s legendary puppets. From the show’s creators: “This is the musical we needed as kids.” For adults too, The Secret Circus reminds the inner child what makes you strange is what makes you shine; find the tribe where you belong, and if you can’t find one, make one.
Featuring:
Chanel Samson & Paul Baird on Accordion & Piano
Andy Circus on Hoops and Juggling
The Mudlark Puppets
Qween Quan
And more to be announced!
November 28th & 29th at 7pm
45 Minute Runtime
$20 Adults $10 Kids
The Mudlark Sweet Sixteen
The Mudlark Public Theatre Proudly presents our
Sweet 16! Annual Halloween Cabaret Grotesque
Featuring
TWO WORLD PREMIERES by The Mudlark Puppeteers
‘Victoria’ adapted from the horror classic by Ogden Nash
AND
‘Making Moves with Medusa’ A Mudlark Original
Demonic Puppet Ritual by Flutterbug!
The marionette magic of Puppet Pants!
Piano Creatures by Playdoh
The Music of Johanna Rose
Plus specialty seasonal mock and cocktails and sticky surprises a-plenty
Dress up like it’s the 16th birthday of your dreams -or nightmares-
Thursday Oct 30th doors 7p Show promptly at 7:30p
$20- 25$ suggested NOTAFLOF
We Wiggle Dolls: A Puppet Cabaret
We Wiggle Dolls is touring YET AGAIN!
On October 22nd, several DIY puppet artists from NOLA, Atlanta, and Brooklyn will come together to present We Wiggle Dolls: A Puppet Cabaret! Join us for our second of two shows in New Orleans, as well as the final show of this tour! We'll be presenting a unique set from the previous nights, with musical accompaniment from Sally Baby & Zach Valentine!
Seasonal Storytelling
Stories to celebrate the entrance into the darker part of the year.
Join local storytellers The Mudlark Puppeteers, Bimbo Yaga, Asa Jones, Playdoh and Timeless for an evening of storytelling to welcome the coming Fall.
Doors 7p. Show 8p.
$15 suggested donation.
All Hallow’s Holiday Market
All Hallow’s Holiday Market
Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th from 3 to 9pm.
Costumes, crafts, seasonal gifts and offerings. Tarot reading.
Homemade refreshments. You are invited.
A Poetry Reading at The Mudlark
A Poetry Reading at The Mudlark
Lou Turner is passing through New Orleans on her book tour to support her new book Twin Lead Lines (Third Man Books). She’ll be joined by lovely Espy Noble as well as two other local poets, Ian Lockaby and Leo Rauf.
Doors 7p. Show 8p.
Sliding scale $5-$15 cash or venmo at the door.
The 11th Annual New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival Benefit Ball
THE 11TH ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS GIANT PUPPET FESTIVAL BENEFIT BALL
PUPPET PROCESSION 6:30p! at the park corner of Royal and Mazant
- a colorful, creature filled march to the Ball-Doors at 7p! CANOA 4210 St Claude Ave
Featuring feats of puppet wonder by
LEROY'S PLACE
BIMBO YAGA, TSARINA HELLFIRE & LADYBABYMISS
VELVET EFFIGY
POOSE THE PUPPET
FLUTTERBUG
THE MUDLARK PUPPETEERS
and Many More!
$20 suggested $10 children, students, NOTAFLOF- all proceeds support the Fest!
The Mudlark Holiday Market
Join us for our holiday market featuring the works of local artists! Handmade gifts, costumes, potions, collectible prints and more…
Friday the 13th of December, 5-10p.
Water Always Wanders
Water Always Wanders: A Ritual of Storytelling
12/6/24 & 12/7/24
DOORS 6:30pm CST
Mudlark Public Theater
✨✨✨✨
“Water Always Wonders” is an embodiment of remembered futures, a mournful celebration of failed prayers, a resurrection of forgotten dreams. This is a ritual of Hope in the tradition of Romani storytelling, and in honor of the poetic legacy of Papusza. Facilitated by Tsarina Hellfire, Bimbo Yaga, Moonbear & Milly Raccoon, with special guest LadyBabyMiss. Join us for an evening of object theater, shadow puppetry & music as we join our voices in prayer with our community and ancestors. With multimedia installations from Jezmina Von Thiele, Kiki Robinson & Baby Reckless. As we approach the Winter Solstice, we offer this performance as a blessing & a prayer for safe travels in our descent into the chaos and dreaming of midnight. The title of this show is taken from the poem, Water that Always Wanders by Polska Romani poet Papusza (BronisÅ‚awa Wajs; 1909-1987.)
Rubber Flower Poetry Hour
rubber flower is fizzy in the organ to host our november poets Rachel Zavecz @russetwolf and Sam Bickford inside the headspace that is @mudlarkpublictheatre. featured readings will be followed by an open mic. come listen and share.
The Mudlark Quinceañera Caberet
Join us for our fifteenth birthday celebration! A puppet cabaret featuring ritual, horror theatre and live music. World puppetry premiers by The Mudlark Puppeteers, Night Shade, Flutterbug, BreakFAST Puppets, and many more. With special musical guests Nail Club and Bride; and an opening ritual blessing brought by Seeress MüggaRose.
We are holding half of the seats to sell at the door. Reserved space is extremely limited. Buy your tickets today.
We Wiggle Dolls: A Puppetry Collective On Tour!
We Wiggle Dolls is a (mostly) New York-based puppetry collective born out of an ongoing puppet slam (a showcase of short form puppet works) that has quickly expanded into different performance formats and publishing. As we continue to expand our scope and reach, our mission remains the same -- to bring the full spectrum of modern puppet works to new audiences, and to grow a robust community of puppet performers in tandem with appreciators.
New York has been a fantastic environment to expand the world of live puppetry. A year into this work, however, the city feels too small and metropolitan compared to the entirety of the American east coast and midwest! The time has come to answer the call of the open road, to squeeze people, puppets and provisions into a van and embark on a DIY puppet show tour!
Central Members of the We Wiggle Dolls crew have joined forces to bring you a tonally and stylistically diverse evening of modern adult-oriented puppetry! Our ranks run the gamut from avant garde heroes of street theater cut loose alongside cardboard butchers, to venerable traditionalists, and even performers completely new to the form!
Come take a peek at the Brooklyn’s exploding doll wiggling scene!
Hemlock, Action Lady, & Eden
June 18th. @actionladymusic @hemlocksounds @4ngelic.f4gg0try doors 7pm show at 8pm $10
