ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Paperhand Puppet Project, a puppet-focused performance troupe, will return to Asheville next month to present “The Gift,” the company’s 25th anniversary production.

Performances of “The Gift” will run from Nov. 7-9 at the Diana Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Find tickets here.

“Known for its breathtaking giant puppets, live music and message of connection, Paperhand invites audiences of all ages to experience a performance that celebrates our shared humanity and the beauty of the natural world,” Paperhand wrote in a press release.

Receiving “The Gift”

“The Gift” will tell the stories of women who protect natural waters with giant puppets, shadow puppetry and a seven-piece live band. The puppets include creations like beavers, an ocean goddess and an illuminated whale.

(Courtesy: Paperhand Puppet Project) An illuminated whale puppet is one of the characters featured in “The Gift.”

The Paperhand production was produced in collaboration with the North Carolina Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, and singer-songwriter Dawn Landes. Stories featured in the show were contributed by Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck of 7 Directions of Service, Elaine Chiosso of Haw River Assembly, Louise Omoto Kessel, Brenda Wilson and Claudia Lopez.

“Paperhand fills me with awe and hope for our future. Your message about the earth and the web of life is an antidote to the challenges our planet faces,” one attendee was quoted in the press release.

“More than a show — it’s an experience that speaks to the soul. From the opening moments to the final bow, the production weaves together stunning visual artistry with a message that feels both urgent and timeless,” another said.

According to Donovan Zimmerman, Paperhand co-founder and executive director, “stories move like water. They are both so powerful in every direction. Giving us life and inspiration or sometimes causing great harm. We all have to choose how to try to be in a balanced relationship with them. To move with integrity. Our work grapples with the complicated dynamics of being human.”

For more information about Paperhand Puppet Project, visit www.paperhandpuppet.org.

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