The Forest of the Witch at The Puppet Co.

The Forest of the Witch is a contemporary solo production by Ayhan Hulagu, presented as part of a Mainstage Guest Artist engagement at The Puppet Co. throughout May 2026. Rooted in Karagöz, a Turkish shadow theatre tradition spanning over 700 years and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the production is a contemporary adaptation inspired by Muhittin Sevilen's traditional play The Bloody Poplar. Hulagu, a New York-based actor, writer, and puppeteer, handcrafts each puppet from camel or water buffalo hide, painted with natural dyes, and voices all characters himself behind an illuminated screen. The production blends classical Ottoman-era techniques with modern storytelling, weaving in figures such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Elton John, and is performed entirely in English.