Blair Thomas is a local master puppeteer. His most recent work, “Hard Headed Heart,” includes a compilation of work by Spanish poet, Federico García Lorca. The performance is a trio of interconnected love stories told through shadow puppets on lamplight paper scrolls, rod puppets and other handcrafted objects.

In an interview with EXTRA, Thomas spoke about his introduction to puppeteering and what you can expect in his performance.

EXTRA: How where you introduced to puppeteering?
Blair Thomas: When I was 11 or 12 years old, I began to perform as a puppeteer. Then I got involved in theater [and] went to school. I felt like I had stepped into a new magical forest [with] endless possibilities. At [that] time I was learning about puppeteering; now I know more. I find it more fascinating. I use [puppets] along with a percussion instrument and a drum kit. Its not only puppet theater, but also cultural. I consider what I’m doing to be a folk art.

Why did you choose to incorporate Lorca’s, “The Puppet Play of Don Cristóbal?”
I was shown this script by Lorca and I wanted to devote myself more into puppeteering. I was looking around for literature [of] a puppeteer and Lorca is the only poet and writer of the 20th century who wrote plays for puppetry.

How would you describe your performance?
You won’t feel like you’re seeing a puppet show at all. You will feel you are seeing another sort of performance that you haven’t seen before. It’s a different kind of storytelling. I’m telling three kinds of love stories using music; two hand puppets that play the characters and I also play a character. I’m very present throughout the performance as the master of ceremonies and storyteller. You won’t ...