Mission:
To bring people together for the common good through the power of puppet and mask performance.
History:
Inspired by Bread and Puppet Theater in Vermont, David O'Fallon and Ray St Louis founded HOBT (originally called Powderhorn Puppet Theatre) in 1973. Â The theatre initially worked out of the basement of Walker Church in Minneapolis's Powderhorn neighborhood, and was closely connected to Powderhorn Park from the very beginning. The first MayDay Parade & Festival took place in 1975 and has come to be celebrated annually by tens of thousands of people. In 1977, Sandy Spieler became Artistic Director of the theatre and remains so today.
Since it's founding HOBT has been creating original productions, touring performances, annually producing the MayDay Parade & Festival, teaching in schools, and working with various communities and activists to create theatre that brings people together for the common good. For a more detailed look at the rich history of HOBT and the many people who influenced and shaped the theatre, see our store to purchase the book Theatre of Wonder: 25 Years In The Heart of the Beast.
