In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

This is a beautiful old theater that has been rehabbed in the heart of the Powderhorn neighborhood.
Last fall I saw their amazing production based on the Ramayana. It was so beautiful, with a live gamelan orchestra on stage behind the actors the entire time. There were also Javanese dancers in addition to the actors, who played all the speaking roles and were very acrobatic. I wasn’t familiar with the Ramayana before I saw this so the twist ending with the prince and princess (who were also amazing, and gorgeous) had me sobbing. I do love a good love story.
Parking is a little confusing, and the restrooms could use an update. But otherwise I really like this theater!

Try the Saturday morning shows and performances for kids. Very fun and great winter activity to cure Cabin Fever.

This is a gem. If you live in the neighborhood go there often, and if you don’t, pick a show and make the trip.
Saturday mornings, they have a puppet show for kids (fall-​early spring). (I think it cost $ 1 or $ 3 per person) Good times. you can add a «make and take» crafty puppet making session after if you want to extend the fun.
I’ve been to several excellent shows for grown ups as well.
The Mayday parade (and the workshops leading up to it) are a cultural gift to the whole city.

Good Minneapolis, take note–
It is a credit to our city that a place like this exists. This is the brick-​and-​mortar building for the beautiful people who bring the Powderhorn neighborhood the May Day Parade every year. (If you have not attended that parade, you are missing out on one of the greatest community celebrations imaginable. Go. Just do it. May 6^th!)
I went to this theater for the first time on Friday night for Puppet Lab. It was two experimental puppet pieces– one that poignantly depicted the life cycle of a seed (and the dangers of Monsanto and genetically modifying plants), and one that was described as «a visual poem spelunking the forbidden cockles of the heart.»
Both were completely exquisite– beautiful art, beautiful poetry, and completely, unnervingly avant-​garde in a way you need sometimes to remind yourself that you don’t know everything.
The theater was packed full of other artsy people in their twenties and thirties, the tone was light and informal, and there was a reception afterwards where you could mingle with the artists.
ALSO, their tickets are only $ 12 OR «pay what you can». Considering a damn movie costs $ 10 now, this is a freaking STEAL. So go there! Put that hard-​earned scrilla to work for an organization that is totally, 100% committed to making Minneapolis a rich, verdant art community.

I absolutely adore HOBT. I used to volunteer with them in college (about eight years ago, now…), and got to work closely with Circus Contraption when they came through town. I also did a lot of puppet making and ushering for shows. I love the May Day parade, too.
I honestly can’t say enough things about HOBT. Bravo!