The press kit for Puppetry of the Penis — a theatrical demonstration of "the ancient Australian art of genital origami" — includes some collectibles. Most helpful to an understanding of the craft is a handy instructional flip book depicting founding puppeteer David Friend in fishing cap, Freddie Mercury mustache, sunglasses, cape, and absolutely nothing else. He is performing an "installation" called "Wind-Up," in which he holds his penis and vigorously moves it in a full circle. The effect is cartoonish rather than pornographic, but maybe that’s because of the fishing cap. Also included in the kit is a crimson cardboard disk in the shape of a doughnut, in case you (or a dear pal) wish to transform your penis into a "frill-necked lizard." Apparently, one size fits all.
Puppetry of the Penis began in Australia and has less of an ick factor than any sideshow tent at Lollapalooza and plenty of wit and charm. It helps that the performers are exceedingly fit, affable, and well prepared with jokes and repartee. Co-founding puppeteer Simon Morley and associate Jadson Caldeira and their members recently made an appearance in the lobby of the Copley Theatre, where the "international comedy hit" begins an open-ended engagement February 26, to perform a demo for the fully dressed media.
Though the press conference started late (perhaps they were waiting for the room to warm up), the two men soon appeared wearing nothing but velvet capes and Pepsodent smiles. They began with the "Hamburger" (one of Morley’s signature pieces, invented by his younger brother). This involved stacking testicles on either side of a curled-up penis. "There’s no pain involved," Morley assured the crowd.
Caldeira is uncircumcised and presented "La Tour Eiffel" (hood of penis stretched downward to maximum length, while the testicles represented "the little people on top of the tower"). "Get an eyeful!" cackled Morley. The "Loch Ness Monster" consisted of holding the penis away from the body with testicles scrunched to look like a saurian spine. "Escargot" showed the penis head tucked in between the testicles.
"How do we prepare to do this?" Morley mused. "We think about our grandmothers and dead puppies." A waist-high video camera projected the pair’s activities on a backscreen (a necessary production component because of the intimate nature of the work). Morley was delighted with the size of the screen on the Copley stage, which would magnify his and Caldeira’s willies to the size of three-story buildings.
Puppetry of the Penis began when long-time pals Morley and Friend put together a "highbrow art calendar showcasing 12 dick tricks." With no marketing plan, the calendars weren’t moving. So the puppeteers let it all hang out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 1998, and then at the Edinburgh Fringe. From there it was a short sprint to London’s West End, Off Broadway, and other venues. Now four troupes tour the world, showcasing 40 of the 60 installations in their repertoire. These include "Emu," "Bulldog," "Turtle," "Brain," "Didgeridoo," "Swollen Thumb," and "Bow Tie." (At the Copley, Morley will also include Boston landmarks yet to be determined.)
Morley views the whole Puppetry of the Penis phenomenon as a "workshop," and at some point during the Boston run, auditions will be held for young lads who think they have the right stuff. "We look for a complete lack of shame," he said. A theatrical background isn’t necessary, and some of the show’s best performers have been builders or computer programmers. "Stretch factor" is also a plus, though piercings, tattoos, and genital mutilation are not. Producer David Foster explains that Puppetry isn’t about "anything weird" and that "it’s all about how charming you are." And, perhaps, how well your winkie fits into a "frill-necked lizard" collar.
Puppetry of the Penis is at the Copley Theatre, 225 Clarendon Street, Boston, beginning February 26. Tickets are $35 to $39.50; call (617) 931-2787.
