A hero’s journey starts Oct. 13

Mad Munchkin Productions (MMP) is proud to announce its new original puppetry work, “Odyssey on the Edge of Light,” at Squirrel Haus Arts (3450 Snelling Ave.), Oct. 13-21. Audience members will follow a Hero through a fantastical journey of challenges, dangers, and discoveries. Patrons will be lead from stage to stage throughout the space for an immersive storytelling experience.

“Odyssey on the Edge of Light” was created collaboratively by the Mad Munchkin company members shortly after the November election. “As we started talking about themes, two things floated to the top—we wanted a Hero, and we wanted something hopeful,” said Artistic Director Laura Wilhelm. The team drew inspiration from their nostalgia for fantasy stories, desiring to recreate the thrill of championing a hero through adversity and obstacle. Not only does this production feature a magical world created from scratch, but Wilhelm also worked with two local composers to create an original score to accompany the otherworldly atmosphere of the physical space.

MMP specifically chose to bring this piece to the neighborhoods of South Minneapolis where the company is headquartered. “When you talk about hope and heroes, that’s not just something for the wide world but something we want for our families, friends, and neighbors. Letting people see art in the neighborhood made by people you know gives it more meaning. It belongs to all of us as a community.” Reinforcing their goal of investing at home, MMP is holding youth workshops about how they create puppetry and music and connecting with students at Blue Tree Music School and Courageous heARTS.

Squirrel Haus Arts “is the perfect place for this production. They have multiple large open spaces for us to transform that also allow for several reveals as the play moves forward. The audience can’t look ahead to see what’s next,” explains Wilhelm. Audience members will be enjoying the performance on their feet in different locations throughout the venue. There is no traditional seating, but chairs are available for those that cannot stand for the duration. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door at www.madmunchkinproductions.com/current-projects. Tickets are limited so advanced purchase is recommended. A Sliding Scale ticket price is available at the door for the Oct. 19 performance.

Dates of the performance are Oct. 13, 7pm (with reception); Oct. 14 and 21, 1pm, 3pm, and 7pm; Oct. 19, 7pm; Oct. 20, 7pm and 9pm. ASL interpretation will be provided at the Sat., Oct. 21, 1pm, performance.

General admission tickets are $12.