Puppets take McCarthyism

McCarthyism, failing relationships and paranoia aren’t themes commonly explored in puppetry, but not too much is common about Roby Newton’s A La Sinistra. As a member of the Chicago-based artcore band Milemarker, Newton’s work has always maintained a strong visual and artistic sense about it. Outside the group, she continues working with the same sensibilities, not as a musician but as a puppeteer. Under the moniker A La Sinistra, her solo endeavors have yielded productions taking on topics ranging from socialism to break-dancing zombies. Although her works typically lean toward the serious, some of her shows have dabbled with improv comedy.For the last six years, Newton has designed the sets, built the puppets, written the scripts and music for each of her productions and has toured the country, performing in cities from New York to Seattle in venues ranging from punk rock concerts to art galleries to parking lots to coffee shops.

With her latest work, titled Simulacrum, Newton has constructed a period piece set in 1951 when the United States is firmly under the grasp of the Red Scare. A married couple, Ada and Peter, watch their own crumbling relationship being strangely mirrored by Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, who are on trial for allegedly stealing the secrets of the atomic bomb. Radio news broadcasts paint the background story and profoundly affect the lives of the protagonists.

The production takes place on a stage no larger than Newton’s lap with papier-mache hand puppets performing in front of a myriad of sewn backgrounds, which are actually worn by Newton. Simulacrum is best viewed in an intimate setting, and although the production is not very big, the effort is quite grand.

A La Sinistra presents Simulacrum Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. at Squaresville, 695 Woodward Ave. 404-614-0666.