Muppet-like monkeys will turn into Jewish sages for a day when they invade San Francisco’s Israel Day celebration.
A gaggle of life-size monkey puppets — who play percussion instruments but don’t chatter — will act out Jewish stories at the children’s area of the festival.
The free festival, which honors Israel’s 51st birthday, is set for noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 23 at Yerba Buena Gardens. The S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation and numerous other agencies are sponsors.
The monkey puppets will be easy to distinguish from the kids monkeying around.
Between 2 and 4 feet tall, the puppets are in technicolor with green, orange, purple and polka-dot fur.
“These are melting-pot monkeys,” said Jonathan Youte, a founding member of Monkey Thump, the Mission-based puppet troupe that is part of an artists’ collective called Cell.
Youte and other puppeteers steer the shaggy animals to act out a lesson or story representing a diverse range of cultures. At the Israel fest, the puppets will probably perform a story from the Torah.
Youte has been scouring books and asking friends for lively Jewish tales on the environment. “All our past shows revolved around a strong connection to the environment. We want to do something on earth-based spirituality in Judaism.”
The puppeteers also hope to jam with an accompanying klezmer band. Kids will have a chance to size up the puppets after the show and test out their skills on marionettes as well.
Adults, too, are encouraged to explore the monkey farm.
“The monkeys exude a spirit of play that’s appealing for all ages. That’s the beauty of it,” Youte said. “Society destroys our whimsical side and it rarely returns to adults. The spirit of play is a healing property.”
The children’s area of the festival will feature a mix of hands-on activities and entertainment.
Storyteller Diana Schmiana will tell wacky Jewish folktales and sing songs, and Joan Sutton will present puppets and share stories. Kids will be able to construct Israeli instruments, marionettes and Independence Day flags. And they can romp around a space-age play park and undergo face painting.