Created for the theater in 1998, Basil Twist’s now-legendary underwater puppet production Symphonie Fantastique was set to the score of composer Hector Berlioz’s signature work, and was performed in a 1,000-gallon glass fish tank in which seven unseen puppeteers manipulate hundreds of fabrics, feathers, forms, plastics, colors, shapes, mylar, etc. Swirling through water and light. The Symphonie Fantastique film weaves together the compelling imagery of Berlioz’s score performed live by Christopher O’Riley and the unseen backstage “ballet” of the puppeteers as they work their magic.

The Puppet Film Series is co-presented by Detroit Puppet Company and Cinema Lamont. Film screenings are Fridays in August at 8:45pm. Reservations recommended, films will be ‘pay-what-you-can,’ none turned away. Friday screenings are rated PG-13 and up, and will be at our outdoor amphitheater, 2221 Carpenter Ave, Detroit. There will also be a family-friendly Saturday matinee at the Detroit Institute of Art’s Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit— August 5 at 3:00pm.

The series is a collection of puppet films with a range of historic and contemporary perspectives on the state of the medium today. Headphones will be provided for outdoor screenings. Popcorn and beverages will also be available by donation. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blanket for outdoor screenings.