No Ticket Necessary. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

7:00 p.m. at Franklin Public Library.

Elevator access from rear parking lot.

Befriended by the Enemy is a true story of forgiveness between a KKK leader (Larry Trapp)
and a Jewish family (Michael and Julie Weisser). The performance of this puppet play was
recorded as a video project by Dan Darling as the thesis project for his MFA from Temple University.
In addition to the play, the video includes behind-the-scenes footage of the production process
and an interview with the Michael and Julie Weisser. Originally produced by In the Heart of the Beast
Puppet and Mask Theatre in Minneapolis, 1993 -1996. Co-directed by Sandy Spieler and Esther Ouray.
Created with the original cast: Esther Ouray, Robert Hughes, David Harris, Graydon Kouri,
Laurie Witzkowski, Sandy Spieler, Vernell Wilson. Designed by Sandy Spieler
with Julie Kastigar and Duane Tougas, and George Meyer (lighting).
This piece won a Citation of Excellence from UNIMA USA
(Union Internacionale De La Marionette) in 1995.