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Marjorie Woods/ A PROFILE by Anne Collins / Puppetry -- what images does the word conjure up? Punch and Judy in Stanley Park? How many of us would consider puppetry an art form, or educational tool, or know that there's a Vancouver Guild of Puppetry with members from as far away as Honolulu and a good number living on the North Shore? On behalf of the Arts Council, I recently had the opportunity to interview one of the Guild's most active members and pastpresident, Marjorie Woods, in her North Vancouver home. It was a rare privilege to be invited into her workshop for a glimpse of the magical world she creates. MARJORIE WOODS Marjorie's passion for puppets evolved gradually. In the early sixties, settling down to domestic life in B.C. with a new baby, far from her native England, she found herself in need of some form of self-expression. She experimented with various crafts and became absorbed with doll-making, soon accumulating a superb collection. The next progression was to bring her inventions to life and involve her two young boys in puppet play, fashioning characters from recycled objects such as plastic containers, cardboard tubes, odd bits of clothing, old tea pots -- even painting faces on leaves to go into her "wacky" puppet box. Hoping for an exchange of ideas, Marjorie joined the Vancouver Guild of Puppetry which, in February, presented its third aimual "Extravaganza" at the Robson Square Media Centre, offering workshops, staging shows and generally pulling a lot of strings to raise funds. The Guild also donated some much needed equipment to Children's Hospital out of die proceeds. Since 1984, Marjorie has made a substantial commitment of time and effort to "Kids on the Block", a program sponsored by the Kinsmen Rehabilitation Foundation of B.C., designed to assist in the integration of disabled children into the regular classroom. Through a series of skits, a cast of characters consisting of six disabled and three able-bodied puppet children interact and become friends. Constructive audience feedback is encouraged, and the material can be tailored to meet specific needs. Once a week, Marjorie, assisted by a co-puppeteer, presents "KOTB" to elementary schools throught the Province. "Performing with "KOTB" not only allows me to polish my skills", Marjorie says, "but I also gain an insight into the spirit and ingenuity of the disabled. Add to this the oppormnity to travel and meet many wonderful people, and it's no wonder that I recommend "KOTB" to anyone interested in volunteering their time to the program". If you would like to lend a hand (literally!), you can call Norah Materi at the Kinsmen Foundation, 736-8841. Marjorie's versatility has been enhanced by courses in drama, child psychology and even clowning. She has developed workshops for adults as well as children, focusing on the educational aspects as well as the fun involved in puppetry. She has also delighted audiences as producer and storyteller for die North Shore Puppetry Theatre, and performed for a week at Expo '86. Thanks to her vivid imagination and what she describes as "a sharp sense of the ridiculous", each of her appearances serves as a unique and spontaneous demonstration of puppetry at its best. Marjorie is optimistic about the growing emphasis schools are placing on the arts, and sees puppetry as an ideal medium for helping people to overcome shyness and develop self-esteem. Despite her demanding schedule, Marjorie's ambition is to establish a centre dedicated to the training, performance and promotion of puppetry for all ages. As she says, "working with puppets keeps you young" -- as the warmth and humour which emanate from this petite, soft-spoken woman confirm. Puppetry at Presentation House, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver. Oct. 1st Sunday. The Oregon Shadow Theatre presents "PECOS BILL" a TALL tale. This 45 minute production follows Pecos Bill from his childhood (raised by coyotes!) through his adventures (fighting mythical beasts, riding a cyclone, falling in love with a woman who rides a catfish!) to the inevitable setting of the West. Deb Chase and Mick Doherty perform this fascinating form of puppetry which is not often seen by the general public here. This is a unique opportunity to become aquainted with it. The puppets are manipulated behind a backlit screen, accompanied by narration, dialogue, music and sound effects. SUITABLE FOR AGES 5 AND UP THROUGH ADULT. Oct. 28th Saturday. Dirk's Marionettes will perform "Rumplestiltskin". Master Puppeteer Dirk Oertel invites children and adults to enjoy this Fairy Tale fantasy, with its spectacular special effects and audience participation. SUITABLE FOR AGES 6 AND UP. BOTH DAYS diere will be 2 performances 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. All tickets $4.00. For reservations phone 986-1351 These shows are sponsored by the Vancouver Guild of Puppetry. Contacts for information regarding the shows or the Guild: Beverley London (President) 926-2276 (eves, only) Marjorie Woods 987-3725 3