Puppetry of Objects and Ideas

We create multilingual devised works featuring puppets and humans that highlight themes of social & environmental justice.

Maebelle's Suitcase
La Maleta de Maebelle
Adapted from MAEBELLE'S SUITCASE
by Tricia Tusa

Script by Gricelda Silva and Caroline Reck

Directed by Caroline Reck

Design by Kelli Bland, Anatar Marmol Gagne, Kade Conklin, Connor Hopkins, Rachel Atkinson, K. Eliot Haynes, and Caroline Reck

Performed by Stephanie Vasquez Fonseca and Sarita Ocón.
Puppeteer understudy: Max Hanesworth

Music by Kiko Villamizar

Stage Management by Zac Crofford

A bilingual adaptation of a celebrated & beloved Reading Rainbow picture book.

Maebelle lives in her treehouse and is an incredible hat maker. She’s been working hard ahead of the town’s annual hat contest when she befriends Binkle, a bird with a migration dilemma. He’s trying to carry too much on his flight south for the winter! As Maebelle generously offers her cherished suitcase from her own migration from Colombia, they delve into profound reflections on the significance of our possessions and memories. Through laughter and tears, Maebelle and Binkle help each other discover the beauty of remembrance and the liberating power of letting go.  

Don’t miss this enchanting tale celebrating friendship, cultural heritage, and the universal lessons found within the stories of our lives. Featuring a two-person cast, various styles of puppetry, environmental themes, & original Colombian music by Kiko Villamizar.

Glass Half Full Theatre is on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster, so funding is available for presenters in Mid America (AR, KS, MO, NE, OK) and Texas! Learn more about the Mid America Arts Alliance Regional Touring Program here and the TCA Touring Roster here.

Winner

Nominations

Production Photos

Production History

This production premiered in June 2024, supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts,  and continued development in Spring 2025 ahead of its first national tour in 2025-2026. 

World Premiere

June 15-29, 2024
VORTEX Theater
Austin, TX

Central Texas School Tour

April 5, 6, 12, 13, 2025
Penfold Theatre
Round Rock, TX

April 24-May 9, 2025 
Dougherty Arts Center
Austin, TX

First National Tour

September – November, 2025
Dates and Theaters To Be Announced