Modlin Center for the Arts

Who is George? He's a tortoise, a giant Galapagos tortoise! Watch George grow up among lizards, sea turtles, and sea lions, along with hungry goats and dancing birds with blue feet. This show tells the true story of the last tortoise to be found on Pinta Island in the Galapagos archipelago.

Based right here in Richmond, Virginia, Barefoot Puppet Theatre brings us an “uplifting eco-fable,” as described by The Smithsonian, that shares an important lesson about humans’ impact on the environment.

If you love animals, tortoises, the environment, and adorable puppets, Galapagos George is the show for you! You’ll fall in love with these islands...and this not-so-little tortoise.

The performance will last about 50 minutes with a brief post-show Q&A.

Performed, written, and devised by Heidi Rugg.

Puppets by Heidi Rugg

Staging/Scenery: Heidi and Sam Rugg

Music composed, performed, and recorded by Eric Weinberg.

The show was supported in part by a grant from the Puppeteers of America Endowment Fund.

Galapagos George was awarded the UNIMA Citation of Excellence in 2005. This award was founded by Jim Henson and is the highest American honor in puppetry arts.

Meet the Artists

Heidi Rugg

Founder, Director, Writer, Fiber Artist, Puppeteer, Puppet Builder, and Set Designer

Sam Rugg

Technical Director, Driver, Set Builder, Puppeteer, and Roadie

Eric Weinberg

Musician and Composer

About Barefoot Puppet Theatre

Barefoot Puppet Theatre empowers intergenerational conversations with performances, workshops, and residencies that focus on environmental themes and sustainable arts practices. From their studio on the edge of a swamp in Richmond, Virginia, they work with cardboard, wool, handmade papers, and a host of recycled materials on a quest to create biodegradable puppets. Their original show, Galapagos George, received an UNIMA-Citation of Excellence in 2005.

Barefoot Puppet Theatre has been performing, presenting workshops, partnering on arts integration programming, and participating in artist residencies since 1997. The company has toured extensively to theatres, schools, libraries, museums; notable venues include The Smithsonian Discovery Theater, The Puppet Showplace Theatre in Boston, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.

Reminders

Electronic Devices

Thank you for helping us create a distraction-free experience. Please silence all electronic devices. We also ask that you refrain from taking any photos or videos.

Hearing Assistance Available

Modlin offers complimentary Assistive Listening Devices for use by patrons at any seat. Receivers may be obtained from any house management staff.

This Engagement is Supported in Part By

Louis S. Booth Arts Fund

Support Modlin Center for the Arts

Support the Modlin Center for the Arts at University of Richmond as we continue setting the stage for creative experiences that deepen our understanding and bring us together. Donations help bring renowned artists to our stages, support the creation of new works, and expand engagement opportunities.

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Modlin Center for the Arts Staff

Paul Brohan
Executive Director

Shannon Hooker
Director

Jo Bachman
Artist Services Manager

bri conley
Assistant Production Manager

Sean Farrell
Production Manager

Shawanna Hall
Front of House Coordinator

Annaka Meadows
Marketing Manager

Cal Meadows
Patron Services Manager

Chris O'Neil
Business & Operations Manager

Kevin Willoughby
Assistant Production Manager

House Managers
Agyeiwaa Asante
Kim Chiarchiaro
Sharon Chandler
Madelaine Dye