Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Wings of Passage” Brings the Magic of Puppetry and a Story of Renewal to Hanford
Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Puffin Foundation, this original puppet production celebrates the monarch butterfly’s migration and explores grief, family, and the courage to begin again.
Press Contact: Silvia Gonzalez S.
Phone: (559) 997-3838
Website: HanfordMTC.com
HANFORD, CA — The magic of puppetry takes flight this November at the Lil’ Brick Theater in downtown Hanford with Wings of Passage, an original puppet play celebrating the remarkable migration of the monarch butterfly across North America.
The production is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and sponsored by the Puffin Foundation, whose support for art projects that focus on environmental issues helps bring this nature-centered theatrical experience to Kings County audiences.
Puppeteer and artist Mark Saltzman is creating the puppets that bring this story to life. The production showcases a variety of puppetry forms, including Crankie, rod puppets, Bunraku, hand puppets, marionettes, and shadow puppets. These distinct techniques combine visual storytelling and inventive stagecraft to follow the monarch butterfly’s extraordinary journey—a natural wonder that serves as a powerful metaphor for transformation, perseverance, and renewal.
At the heart of Wings of Passage is a deeply human story of a father and daughter navigating grief and discovering what it means to move forward. By weaving together the monarch’s journey and the family’s emotional passage, the production explores how change, remembrance, and the courage to begin again can open the door to hope.
“Wings of Passage reminds us that even through loss and uncertainty, life continues to offer opportunities for renewal,” said Silvia Gonzalez S., co-founder and Executive Artistic Director of the Hanford Multicultural Theater Company. “We are honored to bring this production to Kings County and share the beauty of puppetry and a story that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.”
The community is invited to attend a special technical and dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 12. Although this is a rehearsal rather than an official performance, it will be open to the public, offering audiences a preview of the production as the company makes its final preparations for opening night.
Three official public performances will follow on November 13, 14, and 15. Admission to these performances is pay what you can, helping make this theatrical experience accessible to community members regardless of their financial circumstances.
Founded in 2017, the volunteer-run Hanford Multicultural Theater Company (HMTC) is dedicated to inspiring and nurturing a diverse community through the arts. Through original productions, acting classes, puppetry, improv, workshops, and community events, HMTC creates opportunities for artistic expression and cultural connection throughout California’s Central Valley.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Production: Wings of PassageVenue: Lil’ Brick TheaterAddress: 119 1/2 N. Douty Street, Hanford, California
Free Public Technical and Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, November 12, 2026Doors open at 7:00 p.m.Rehearsal begins at 7:30 p.m.Admission: FREEOpen to the public; this is a rehearsal, not an official performance.
Official Public Performances
Friday, November 13, 2026Saturday, November 14, 2026Sunday, November 15, 2026Doors open at 7:00 p.m. each evening.Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.Admission: Pay what you can.
TICKETS AND SEATING
Tickets are available at HanfordMTC.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, but online ticket purchases are preferred. Seating is limited, so advance online tickets are strongly recommended.
For additional information, please contact Silvia Gonzalez S. at (559) 997-3838, visit HanfordMTC.com, or follow @HanfordMTC on social media.
About Hanford Multicultural Theater Company
Founded in 2017, the Hanford Multicultural Theater Company is a community-based performing arts organization dedicated to inspiring and nurturing a diverse community through the arts. HMTC works to expand access to theater and provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to participate in the performing arts.
Funding Support: National Endowment for the Arts. Sponsorship: Puffin Foundation, supporting art projects that focus on environmental issues.
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