For those living in the New York area, Hit the Lights is something of an institution in the world of puppetry. Known for their thrilling immersive performances, this theatre company fuses shadow puppetry, direct manipulation puppetry, live music, and immersive visual storytelling to create fantastic live experiences. Hit the Lights is the recipient of various prestigious recognitions including an Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination for “Best Family Show.” Their signature “Less Talk, More Rock” philosophy was on full display in the company’s presentation of Wonderland at the New York Botanical Garden. A visually stunning and interactive reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice in Wonderland, this iteration found a highlight moment during the appearance of Absolem the Caterpillar, a figure of both wisdom and sharp wit whose presence offers a stark contrast to the frantic energy of the world around him. One of the two puppeteers who manifested the incredible performance of Absolem is Raina Lawrence. Ms. Lawrence provides insight into the creative chrysalis that allowed her to materialize such a dynamic performance along with her co-puppeteer. While Alice in Wonderland has seen no fewer than seven feature film iterations from 1933 to 2010, it’s hard to imagine any of these eliciting the tangible wonderment visible in the faces of audiences attending Wonderland at the idyllic venue of the New York Botanical Gardens.
While CGI’s ubiquity in motion pictures may have raised the bar for what our eyes can witness on the screen, real-life moments and artistry scratch that imagination itch of our brains and beckons us to relinquish reality to a higher plane of thinking. Whatever puppets might lack in tech, they make up for in performance artistry. The visual appearance itself is quite striking in real life. Regarding Absolem, the union of puppet and puppeteer is seamless. The costume’s centerpiece is an elaborate tiered turban, crafted from layers of shimmering blue fabric, chiffon, and rhinestones, giving the character an otherworldly, hypnotic presence. This carefully constructed headpiece, secured under the chin, adds a sense of grandeur and weight, reinforcing the Caterpillar’s enigmatic authority. The costume also features a dark blue tie-dye long-sleeve undershirt, striped gloves with clipped fingertips for dexterity, loose pants tucked into spats, and black shoes adorned with matching spats. These elements combine to create a silhouette that is both regal and peculiar, a living embodiment of Wonderland’s dreamlike contradictions.
There’s a substantial amount of skill in bringing such a character, and puppet, to life. In addition to copious reviews of the original text to master the cadence and musical qualities of Absolem, Raina researched insect locomotion, particularly the way real caterpillars move with rhythmic, wave-like undulations. This informed the articulation of the puppet’s movements, reinforcing the idea that Absolem was both grounded and ethereal, a creature that existed at its own pace, unfazed by the chaos of Wonderland. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the performance—from the gliding motion of the body to the carefully curated vocal intonations—immersed audiences in a Wonderland that felt tactile, alive, and brimming with mystery. Physiology and psychology were paired as Raina states, “To bring authenticity to this role, deep research was required—not just into the literary origins of Absolem, but into real-world caterpillars and their symbolic significance. Studying their slow, hypnotic movements, the way they navigate their environment with purposeful grace, and their natural progression toward transformation informed the physicality of the performance. Additionally, examining various theatrical and cinematic interpretations of the character provided insight into how his detached yet impactful presence has been translated across mediums. Ultimately, the essence of the Caterpillar is about embracing uncertainty, recognizing that change is inevitable, and understanding that true wisdom is not given, but earned through experience. His presence within Wonderland is not to meant to provide easy answers, but to challenge perception, creating a theatrical moment where the audience, much like Alice, must pause, listen, and consider what transformation means for them.” Of course, Absolem is not just any caterpillar and thus required Raina and her co-puppeteer to discern his place amongst the other inhabitants of Wonderland. She describes, “Absolem exists in a state of in-between, neither fully grounded nor entirely ethereal, embodying a liminal presence that challenges those who encounter him. He is not a conventional mentor; instead of offering direct guidance, he prompts Alice—and by extension, the audience—to question, reflect, and engage in self-discovery. His method of teaching is not through clarity but through ambiguity, forcing others to navigate the complexities of Wonderland and their own evolving identities. This makes him both a figure of authority and uncertainty, one whose cryptic nature is a deliberate contrast to the fast-paced, nonsensical world around him.”
One of the key moments, and a particularly moving scene in this production, is Absolem’s recitation of Carroll’s poem “You Are Old, Father William,” a passage layered with themes of transformation, aging, and the tension between youthful curiosity and experience. This exchange mirrors Alice’s own metamorphosis throughout the story, emphasizing the play’s overarching theme of personal growth and self-discovery. In a world that often moves too fast, Absolem demands patience, contemplation, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The organic movements and gestures of Absolem through masterful puppetry and amidst the surroudnings of the New York Botanical Gardens were transportive. This serves as a stark reminder that live theatre provides the sincere human connection that we all longed for in the height of the pandemic. In a similar way, puppets provide a sense of reality suspension through human hands rather than technology. It’s heartwarming to witness something as sincere and wonderful as this.
Writer : Basil Thomson
Punit