SWAMP JUICE to Offer Post-Show Workshops on Weekends

During its special holiday engagement at the Barrow Street Theatre, 27 Barrow Street, "Swamp Juice" will offer post-show workshops on the weekends that teach parents and their kids how to recycle everyday household items into richly detailed shadow puppets. Jeff Achtem, the internationally acclaimed puppet innovator from Melbourne Australia, leads these hands-on workshops on three Saturdays -- December 6, 13 and 27 and one Sunday -- December 21.

All four workshops take place after the 11am performances on those dates. Best for ages 7 to 16. Each workshop is limited to 25 young participants. Parents are welcome to observe. Workshops cost $20 per participant. In these 50-minute workshops that integrate craft and performance, kids create their own individual character made from everyday household junk. Parents are encouraged to either observe (snap pictures) or, if they MUST participate, they will be asked to create their own character, and not oversee their kids' efforts.

The marvelously low-tech "Swamp Juice," which delivers a truly high-octane visual spectacle has received a tidal wave of gushing praise from critics around the world. "Wonderfully enchanting, an absolute delight, breathtaking moments!" raves the London Evening Standard. The Adelaide Advertiser calls it "hauntingly beautiful. Awesome!"

Conceived and created by Achtem, who also stars, "Swamp Juice" introduces us to a captivating cast of characters inhabiting a strange world that could be described as a mash-up of South Park, Dr. Seuss and Charles Dickens. A virtual whirligig of motion, crazed sound effects and otherworldly dialogue, Achtem stirs up his delicious brew right before our eyes, in front of a bare lightbulb.

At the show's remarkable finale, retro 3-D glasses allow audience members to virtually leap into the world of the shadow puppets. "Swamp Juice's" original score is composed by David Henry, Nick Carver and Tristan Kelley. "Swamp Juice" washes ashore at the Barrow Street Theatre for its North American premiere in a limited 6-week run, from Friday November 28 to Sunday January 4, 2015.

This is Achtem's official Off-Broadway debut.

For a complete schedule check www,barrowstreettheatre.com For show tickets, which are $45, call 212/868-4444, or visit www.smarttix.com. For group and family packages, and for booking workshops, which are $20 per participant, call 212/243-6262, e-mail boxoffice@barrowstreettheatre.com, or visit the Barrow Street Theatre box office, 27 Barrow Street, open 1pm daily.