Join us, Puppetmaster213 (Cain Carias), community artists, and our friends from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 from 7-9:30 PM for an evening of puppetry and community as part of the exhibition PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND.This evening reunites PuppetMaster213 (Cain Carias), his puppets El Triste and La Smiley with their friends from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, where the Puppetmaster213's journey into the world of puppeteering began.A special screening of Jonatas Da Silva's short documentary, LIFE ON STRING will be followed by a performance by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater's Traveling Company and Puppetmaster213. After the performance, Alex Evans, Co-Director and Artistic Director of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater will join Puppetmaster213, who learned his craft from the legendary Bob Baker himself, to discuss puppetry and the theater's work.
Admission is free.
All ages are welcome.
Light refreshments provided
PROGRAM:
6:30 PM Doors open.
7:15 PM Welcoming + Introduction
7:30 PM Screening of the documentary short film LIFE ON A STRING
8:15 PM Bob Baker Marionettes + Puppetmaster's Performance
9:30 PM End of Event
LIFE ON A STRINGUSA (2019), 20 min. Digital projection. In English
Director Jonatas Da Silva, Producers Jeffrey Simon, David Hemphill, DOP Bruce Chiu, Editors Mozhu Yan, Erin Offenshauser, Sound Design Jacob Fadley, Nicole L. Thompson
This short documentary peeks into the lives of two Los Angeles based puppeteers, Cain Carias and Gary Jones, who have dedicated their lives to their craft. Both men, Cain near the beginning of his career, Gary nearing its conclusion, seek validation and purpose in a world that seems to be leaving this ancient art form behind. As men of color, the two craftsmen yearn to use their art as a voice for their people. While they sometimes struggle to make the life of an artist work, they find humor, joy and ultimately peace when performing for an audience.www.jonatasdasilva.com
Cain Carias, also known as PuppetMaster213, is a Los Angeles-based puppeteer, artist, and community storyteller originally from Tijuana, Mexico. Raised in the heart of MacArthur Park, Cain developed a raw and authentic puppetry style that blends marionette traditions with the soul of Los Angeles street culture—lowriders, murals, hip hop, and everyday barrio life. He was personally taught by the legendary Bob Baker and spent over 15 years performing at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, where he found purpose and mastered his craft. In collaboration with Ms. Reyes Arte (Lil G’ Dolls), Cain brought to life El Triste and La Smiley—iconic puppets that represent struggle, love, and survival in brown and immigrant communities. Through his movement, Puppet Master’s Playground, Cain creates spaces that uplift the community with shows, workshops, cleanups, and storytelling rooted in lived experience. His work proves that puppetry isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to heal, educate, and represent life in Los Angeles.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s mission is to preserve, educate, and innovate at the intersection of Puppetry and the Allied Arts. Bob Baker Marionette Theater envisions an INCLUSIVE community empowered with a creative toolbox to better the world around them. Bob Baker Marionette Theater sees the world as a Birthday Cake: Baked with care, Frosted with imagination and intent, Served across generations as a sanctuary of sweet, Sprinkled with a little stardust, a living theater of whipped cream over delight! Learn more @ www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com
PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND is on view from July 10th - September 4th, 2025.
Please note: The Goethe-Institut will be closed July 25th - August 10th, 2025
During Office Hours: July 11th, 2025 - September 4th, 2025
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesday–Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Secure, free Parking is available at Metro/Retail parking structure with rear entrance to the Goethe-Institut located at 674 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Public transport is possible with the red line to MacArthur Park/Westlake stop. Using carpool or ride-share options are appreciated.
PUPPET MASTER'S PLAYGROUND is part of the Neighborhood Interpretive Center, a hyperlocal initiative of cultural programs that focus on and uplift the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and surrounding areas.
