The Ugly Duckling - Puppet Performance

This adapted retelling of the story of the Ugly Duckling originated in Cincinnati, Ohio after nine months of intensive preparation by the director, Mary Fisher and friends. The first performance was presented in the spring of 2004 at the Cincinnati Waldorf School, with yearly sharing through diverse assembly of players and locations. The last full performance was shared in East Aurora, NY in 2014 with the assistance of the members of the Orchard Park Chorale, which Mary was a member. This 2024 production comes, after a 10 year hiatus, through the care of volunteers at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills where Mary is presently a visiting artist in residence.

These near life size puppet characters telling the story are hand sculpted from wool fibers. One character, the only human portrayed in the story, was re-created in 2023 for this production. The set and stage have developed over time as sharing grew. Self dyed silks and pieced fabric scenery are used for creating mood and scene changes. Narration and sound effects along with song assist in bringing this adaptation of the story of the Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen to life.

Mary lived in CVKH with her husband, Charles Dahlenburg, and daughter Ariel, a day student at Camphill school, in the 1990’s.
The original production was brought about during the seventh year after Ariel’s crossing into the spiritual realm.

This production is dedicated to the many friends who have shared life in CVKH.