Weird Animal Facts! is an adaptation of Lyndsay Rush’s poem Tickle Fight. See the original poem here. This puppetry performance features mask, rod, hand puppetry all centered around a crankie.

Original Poem by Lyndsay Rush and Adapted by Samantha Sing

Puppet Design and Construction – Samantha Sing

Sound Design – Philip Kim

Puppeteer – Samantha Sing

Rats laugh when tickled.

A newborn kangaroo is the size of a lima bean.

A horned lizard shoots blood out of their eyes as a defense.

A group of cats is called a clowder.

House flies buzz in the key of F.

This piece first debut at Bread and Puppets’ Café de Cheap Artist, during their June 2023 Apprenticeship. It was further developed and performed at We Wiggle Dolls Puppet Slam, which are where these photos were taken. This piece was also adapted for the overhead projector and performed at LIC Feral Feeders 2024 Holiday Fundraiser.

Photo credits: Sam