zoom_in Click to enlarge

Peter Schumann

▲ ▼

description Peter Schumann Overview

Peter Schumann is a German-American puppeteer and artist who founded the Bread and Puppet Theater in New York City in 1963. The theater later relocated to Vermont, where it became famous for its large-scale outdoor political pageants and street theater. Schumann's work is heavily distinguished by the use of massive, expressive papier-mâché puppets and masks used to critique social and political issues. The theater attracts diverse audiences interested in avant-garde art, activist performances, and community-building events.

help Peter Schumann FAQ

What is Peter Schumann famous for founding?

Peter Schumann is a German-American puppeteer who founded the Bread and Puppet Theater in New York City in 1963. The theater is famous for its large-scale political street pageants.

What materials does Peter Schumann use for his puppets?

Schumann is known for creating massive papier-mâché figures for his theatrical performances. These large, expressive puppets are often used in parades and protests to deliver political messages.

Why is it called the Bread and Puppet Theater?

Schumann named it this because he initially served fresh sourdough bread to his audiences alongside the performances. The bread represented community sharing and a rejection of commercial theater.

Where is the Bread and Puppet Theater located today?

The theater moved from New York City to a farm in Glover, Vermont, in the early 1970s. Peter Schumann and his company continue to host performances and maintain a puppet museum there.