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1969

The Cry of the People for Meat

Written by The Bread and Puppet Theatre

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director
William Gaskill, Lindsay Anderson & Anthony Page

Dates Performed

Monday 23rd June 1969
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

In a series of vivid, puppet-driven vignettes, Schumann retells biblical stories to comment on contemporary issues of war, poverty, and resistance.

The play begins with a creation myth and moves through Old Testament stories, including Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah’s flood. It then shifts to the New Testament, focusing on the life of Jesus, from his birth to the Last Supper and Crucifixion. Throughout, Schumann interweaves modern imagery and political commentary, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and current events.

Schumann’s innovative use of puppetry, masks, and found objects creates a visually striking and emotionally powerful spectacle. The play’s non-linear structure and mix of sacred and profane elements challenge traditional interpretations of biblical stories. By juxtaposing ancient myths with contemporary concerns, The Cry of the People and the Meat offers a radical critique of social injustice, militarism, and the human condition.

Director(s)

Peter Schumann

Image credit

Poster courtersy of the V&A Theatre archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Michael Appleby

Cast

Eric Berne

Cast

Maurice Blanc

Cast

William Dalrymple

Cast

Bruno Eckart

Cast

Carol Grosling

Cast

Irene Le Herrister

Cast

Deborah Knight

Cast

Uwe Krieger

Cast

Barton Lane

Cast

Murray Levy

Cast

Arnold Lippin

Cast

Mary Lippin

Cast

Manuel Narciza

Cast

Sara Peattie

Cast

German Ramirez

Cast

Margo Sherman

Cast

Harvey Spevak

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