Professional puppet company Eulenspiegel of West Liberty, Iowa will present a residency at several Salina elementary schools and the Salina Public Library February 8th through 10th. Their visit is made possible through the Arts Infusion Program of Salina Arts & Humanities. The company’s teaching artists will perform a show titled “ Freedom Star: Gertie’s Journey Through The Underground Railroad,” in honor of Black History Month.

The production uses near life-size handheld puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets, and hand-dyed scenery to tell a dramatic and moving story. Based on actual local history, the play is about Gertie, a young slave girl who escapes from a Missouri farm and makes her way through Iowa to freedom. A beautiful and exciting play, “Freedom Star” educates while entertaining, using specific local and regional historical references, including information about John Brown during his years in Iowa. The original play features live music written and performed by Ron Hillis, a highly regarded musician.

Eulenspiegel founder Monica Leo and her puppet troop have a long history with the Salina community through the Arts Infusion Program and the Smoky Hill River Festival. Eulenspiegel has performed numerous times on Arty’s Stage in the Artyopolis children’s area. The group’s February residency will focus on presenting Salina students with a uniquely Midwestern perspective of one young girl’s fight for freedom during a time of slavery and oppression.

For more information, please call Amanda Morris at Salina Arts & Humanities at 785-309-5770.