Q’we-ti, the trickster-hero of the Makah People, will paddle his magic canoe to Lopez Island on Thanksgiving weekend for the next performance in Northwest Puppet Center’s Lopez Season.

Carter Family Marionette’s production of “Q’we-ti — Tales of the Makah Tribe” was created in collaboration with the Makah Elders and features an original soundtrack by the Green and Hottowe families of Neah Bay.

The show has been honored with “The Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry” by the Union International de la Marionette, a member group of UNESCO.  Q’we-ti delighted audiences in Tashkent during a month long run at the Uzbek National Puppet Theater and toured to many reservations, schools, libraries and festivals throughout the Northwest.

Lopezians will have an opportunity to see this show on November 26 at 11 a.m. at Lopez Community Center.

Tickets are available at Blossom Organic Grocery, Islehaven Books and at the door.

The large hand-carved cedar marionettes, made by Duane Pasco and Stephen Carter and costumed in cedar bark clothing by Chris Carter, will transport you to the foggy beaches of Neah Bay, back in the  days when animals could talk.

You will see the surprising creation of Q’we-ti, the Mink and learn how Bluejay got her crest. Laugh along with Q’we-ti when he tricks Raven and the fearsome Burden Basket Ogress.  But even Q’we-ti can’t resist the seductive charms of Octopus Lady.

This performance appeals to adults with its depictions of the rich cultural art, music and storytelling traditions of the NW Native Americans and to everyone with the humor and adventure of the Makah legends.

This performance appeals to adults with its depictions of the rich cultural art, music and storytelling traditions of the NW Coast Native Americans and to everyone with the humor and adventures of the Makah legends.