The Mudlark Public Theatre, an innovative space for puppeteers and performers of all kinds, is certainly feeling the effects of a recent fire that scorched its upper apartment space. The Mudlark released a statement on their Facebook page stating that the space is sadly "unusable for the indeterminate future." The theatre is currently looking into alternate venues to house its Fringe festival shows. All who occupied the space were safe, including two cats, one of which was found late in the afternoon the day of the fire.
A YouCaring.com campaign has been set up for proprietress Pandora Gastelum, an innovative puppeteer whose passion helped vault the Mudlark to the forefront of the experimental performance scene. Gastelum has performed innumerable times at the space, taught hopeful puppeteers, and curates the New Orleans International Puppet Festival, entering its fourth year next year.
Gastelum's reach has already prompted friends, artists, and supporters to begin the process of organizing a benefit for the Mudlark. More information can be found on a public Facebook event page.
· The Mudlark Public Theater damaged by early morning fire [NOLA.com]
· Fire Wire [Curbed NOLA]