“Flight of the Phoenix,” a puppet pageant held at Northwestern University, extended beyond its initial purpose of adapting to safety measures amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, evolving into a platform for community building. The collaborative endeavor to bring the puppets to life through accessible techniques fostering hands-on participation facilitated the reconnection of the artistic community amidst prolonged isolation. Originating from a modest proposal to showcase bird puppets along the lakeshore, the project attracted a diverse team comprising designers, makers, directors, puppeteers, and filmmakers, all eager to contribute their respective expertise and ideas. As the production progressed, the increasing number, size, and intricacy of the puppets necessitated a growing cast of volunteers to realize a larger-scale rendition of the final event.
The expansion of the project resonates with the concept of “radical listening,” as articulated by artistic director and puppeteer Jim Lasko in his essay “The Third Thing” (2014). The completed spectacle reached a broader audience, captivating university students, staff, faculty, and Evanston residents who unexpectedly bore witness to the birds’ triumphant flight. The wordless grace of the performance provided space for participants to reflect on the experience, releasing pent-up emotions, transitioning from a period of stagnation, and collectively celebrating renewal.