See Sparks Fly Between Two of History’s Most Impassioned Inventors in Tesla vs Edison (Ages 18+)
Based on the life and work of Nikolas Tesla and Thomas Alva Edison, this Center original spotlights these two men and their very different visions of the future.
February 22, 2023 – March 12, 2023
ATLANTA (February 2023) – The Center for Puppetry Arts is proud to announce the world premiere of Tesla vs Edison on February 22nd with performances from Wednesday – Sunday at 8 p.m. until March 12th. Created by Resident Puppet Builder and Designer Jason Hines, this new and original production follows two of history’s greatest genius inventors, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Alva Edison, as they clash over their disparate visions of the future. Known as the “War of Current,” the debate between alternating and direct current electricity, became one of the greatest feuds in American history. See how the race to light up the world started with these two brilliant and fiercely competitive men. This adult puppetry show is for ages 18+ with children 12 and up allowed entrance with an adult guardian.
A Serbian-American inventor and futurist, Nikola Tesla would oftentimes clash with his former mentor and greatest rival, American businessman and fellow inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, on how to supply electricity to the masses. Tesla famously argued electricity should be given to the masses at no cost, no matter their class or creed, while Edison wanted to capitalize on the popularity of the world’s growing need to power their homes and lives into the future.
The cast features the talents of Jason Hines, Alex Burnette, Sarah Beth Hester, and Jake Krakovsky. Known as Overt Puppetry, the performers will be visible during the performance as they interact as actors, puppeteers, and lab assistants to the famous inventors. Fascinated with this story of Tesla and Edison for decades, Hines began work in earnest on the production 2 years ago. The result is a massive production that includes an array of puppets, set pieces, and costumes all painstakingly designed and built to capture the life and times of these visionaries. The production also gives context to the relationship between Tesla and Edison and the scope of their legacies.
“Tesla and Edison were undoubtedly two of the most influential inventors and rivals of their times. The world we live in today is a direct result of their work, and their imagination. They revolutionized the world.” Jason Hines, Creator, and Resident Puppet Designer and Builder
Sponsored by Cheryl Henson and The Jim Henson Foundation and Georgia Council for the Arts, this truly innovative production of Tesla vs Edison includes working reproductions of some of Tesla and Edison’s most groundbreaking inventions. These inventions include Edison’s phonograph, light bulb, and kinetograph; Tesla’s polyphaser induction motor, resonant transformer (also referred to as the Tesla coil), and a prototype radio. All puppets, set, props, and costumes were designed and built at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
All tickets for Tesla vs Edison performance are $26 and include limited free onsite parking. For the World Premiere performance on February 22nd at 8 p.m. and on February 23rd at 8 p.m., patrons can enjoy reduced-price tickets at $22. Suitable for ages 18+ with children 12 and up allowed entrance with an adult guardian.
Tesla vs Edison runs once daily at 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and on Sundays at 5 p.m.
Purchase tickets at: https://puppet.org/programs/tesla-vs-edison/
The following are show dates and times:
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 8 p.m.
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 8 p.m.
Friday, February 24th, 2023 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 25th, 2023 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 26th, 2023 5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 8 p.m.
Friday, March 3rd,, 2023 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 4th,, 2023 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 5th, 2023 5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 8 p.m.
Thursday, March 9th, 2023 8 p.m.
Friday, March 10th,, 2023 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 11th, 2023 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 2023 5 p.m.