PERFORMING ARTS: Beth Nixon & Pig Iron Theater Co.

'Board Meeting


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Published: Oct 20, 2010

Mark Stehle

BEAR ESSENTIALS: Puppeteer Beth Nixon (center), with Cankerblossom cast members David Sweeney (left) and Alex Torra, shows off her creative cardboard costuming Oct. 16 in the backyard of her West Philadelphia home.

Thank the Republicans, in a roundabout way, for West Philly native Beth Nixon's return 10 years ago: She came back from Rhode Island, after puppeteers were arrested before the 2000 Republican National Convention here, to participate in a "Puppet Uprising" fundraiser. She hasn't left.

The self-described builder of "puppets, masks, piñatas, parades, pageants, palindromes, magical lands and other spectaculah" joined creative juggernaut Pig Iron Theatre Co. last winter for a brainstorming workshop that led to the 2010 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival hit Cankerblossom.

For the show, Nixon created unique cardboard set pieces, props and costumes for a fantastical flat world — while also playing the mother trying to rescue her two-dimensional foundling.

"I was originally hired as a designer," says the thirtysomething who sparkles with childlike curiosity, "but in February, when we were working out in La Jolla, I was having a great time playing with the cardboard. I told Dan [Rothenberg, Cankerblossom director] I'd be excited to improvise some stuff, too, and he put me in the mix. ... The show sort of spooled from there, with me in it."

After juggling design, performing and her own (three-dimensional) child, Nixon says she's reveling in some time off, but her list of projects belies that: "I'm gnawing on an idea for a new solo puppet/clown show, maybe involving performative piñata action or walruses. I'm trying to find funding for a giant puppet flotilla down the Schuylkill River. I'm creating a new illustrated palindrome calendar for 2012. And I'm currently working with The Rotunda Youth Theater Arts Program, making a show with a group of fourth- through eighth-graders."

Pig Iron, she reports, hopes to secure funding to further develop Cankerblossom, their first all-ages production.

Performing Arts Honorable Mentions

Brat Productions
The troupe known for its 24-hour Bald Soprano pushed the envelope with Haunted Poe and a gender-bending Carrie.

Philly Improv Theater
With a dedicated space and the impressive Düofest in its portfolio, PHIT demands you take improv comedy — seriously.

Jennifer Childs
1812's pint-size powerhouse looms even larger with her stunning one-woman Why I'm Scared of Dance under her tutu.

Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque
While queens get all the ink, LCDB is hard at work putting drag kings on the map.