ERNIE's SECRET LIFE by Concrete Temple Theatre

Ernie’s Secret Life by Concrete Temple Theatre is an episodic odyssey, fusing ever-changing puppetry and stagecraft with humor, music, and a raw understanding of our profound collective reality. Sparked by the isolation and turmoil of our time, Ernie’s Secret Life is a story of discovery for all. A man fearing something has happened to his son, builds a canoe and secretly sets off to find him. What he finds instead - is himself. Powered by a wondrous landscape-in-motion, the play is about escaping and then finding your way... a celebration of how we become who we want to be.

Concrete Temple Theatre (CTT) is a multi-disciplinary company, committed to the creation of compelling new theatrical works, incorporating drama, dance, puppetry, music and the visual arts. Since 2004, our company has created devised visual theatre that challenges the traditional relationship between design and text. Through touring original works and presenting workshops in NYC, nationally and internationally, we strive to bring myth and ritual back to the center of dialogue, by presenting works and workshops that address real issues within communities (grief, family relationships, environmental stewardship). For over 15 years, and still going, we have been proud partners in Dixon Place’s CECO Senior Citizen program.

CARLO ADINOLFI (Puppet & Set Design, Puppeteer) has worked in the theatre for 32 years, and along with Renee Philippi, is Artistic Director of Concrete Temple Theatre. Carlo is a Dancer, Designer, Actor and TD. He performs as Bud in Concrete Temple’s PACKRAT, for which he designed and built all puppets and sets. The Scotsman (UK) said Carlo Adinolfi exudes “strength, grace, and agility” on the stage, The Independent (UK) praised him as a “beguiling and versatile entertainer,” and Daily Mail (UK) cheered his “astonishing artistry.”

RENEE PHILIPPI (Playwright/Director) has worked as a Theatre Director and Writer for over the past 30 years. Her work has been produced nationally as well as in New York City. She and her Company, Concrete Temple Theatre, have had 3 critically acclaimed New York Off-Broadway productions. Her work has been produced internationally in: London, Scotland, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Bulgaria, S Korea, Costa Rica, Mexico and Italy. She is the Artistic Director of Concrete Temple Theatre, along with Carlo Adinolfi.

*Support for the New York State Puppet Festival and Shake on the Lake is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support by the Arts Council for Wyoming County, The Mary Conable & Norman Gayford Charitable Fund, the Conable Family Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson Arts & Cultural Inititative.