La MaMa Blogs: February 2023

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

6 Questions with Tarish "Jeghetto" Pipkins of THE HIP HOPERA OF 5P1N0K10



Tarish Pipkins a.k.a. Jeghetto is puppetry infused with Hip Hop culture. He has been building his puppets out of recycled and found materials for about 20 years. He has worked with Missy Elliott, Pharrell Williams, Alec Baldwin, and others. Jeghetto travels the country performing his unique style of puppet theater and facilitates puppet workshops and performances online. Learn all about him at jeghetto.com. Jeghetto will be performing four performances of The Hip Hopera of 5P1N0K10 from March 23–26, which will be the first full performance in the newly-renovated 74 East 4th StreetTickets can be purchased here, and puppet packages (for those who'd like to see two or three upcoming puppet shows at a discounted rate) can be purchased here

Jeghetto will also be performing in and facilitating La MaMa Kids: Puppet Self Portrait on Saturday, March 25 at 12PM. Watch him get lost in his imagination as he performs with his unique puppets made out of recycled materials. This production gives you a glimpse of his process with visual projections, spoken word, and hip hop beats.

1. How would you describe your work as a puppetry artist?

I would describe my work as “making something from nothing.” I use mostly found and recycled materials to create my work. I like to call my puppets “moving sculptures”.

2. Who or what has inspired you?

Life itself inspires my work. It could be a past experience, watching a documentary, or a conversation with a stranger. 

3. What should audiences expect from the performance?

I like for audience members to leave my show with questions about themselves and the world around them. 

4. What are your upcoming plans for 2023?

My upcoming plans for 2023 is to stay on the current path of creativity and discovery that I’m on. I can’t imagine being in a better place in my life artistically. I foresee a great future in puppetry.

5. How would you Remake a World?

I believe the world has an over abundance of resources for everyone. I would make energy and resources available so that humans wouldn’t have to pay to live. Poverty and famine is intentional. A control mechanism to keep the evil that runs our world in power. I would establish a system of true justice where everyone is equally held accountable for their actions.

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?

Working at La Mama means everything. To be able to perform in such a historic venue is very motivating. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. 

March 23 –26, 2023

The Club
74 East 4th Street
New York, NY 10003

Thursday at 7:30PM
Friday at 7:30PM
Saturday at 7:30PM
Sunday at 12PM

Tickets:

Adults: $30
Students/Seniors: $25
First 10 tickets are $10 (limit 2 per person)
Ticket prices are inclusive of all fees.