Return to the Forest: puppetry and dance liberate museum objects in Manchester

"Return to the Forest," a promenade performance helmed by director Sue Buckmaster and choreographed by Gregory Maqoma, will debut at Factory International's Aviva Studios in Manchester from May 7 to 10. This production, created by Theatre-Rites, tells the story of treasured items—including an Ishoba (a ceremonial stick from South Africa), an ancient map, and a carved mask—that yearn for liberation from a museum setting. Buckmaster characterizes the piece as merging 'contemporary masquerade and puppet figure concepts with exquisite dancers.' Maqoma adds that it 'creates an opportunity for audiences to connect with culture, heritage, and the essential questions that persist in our world.' Theatre-Rites, which has been producing puppet-driven family shows for three decades, previously worked with Maqoma on The Global Playground at the Manchester International Festival. Co-commissioned by Sadler's Wells, the performance will also take place at Sadler's Wells East in London from May 28 to 30. The cast features Xolisile Bongwana, Natnael Dawit, and puppeteer-performer Teele Uustani.