Multimedia show Literary Monsters releases soundtrack and performs in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — Shadow, Sounds, Spectacle will bring "Literary Monsters" to Blackbird on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., combining live music, shadow puppetry, and theatrical storytelling inspired by classic literature. The performance celebrates the release of "Literary Monsters: The Soundtrack," a collection of original songs that grew from the multimedia show's evolution over the past year.

The project began in local libraries and community centers before appearing at fringe festivals and theaters, including a September performance at Easthampton Media Black Box Studio Theater. Composer and performer Jess Martin said the soundtrack release represents a new chapter for work that originally paired original music with handcrafted puppets, projected imagery, and theatrical storytelling. The songs are now available as a record with independent life, released on October 10 both on CD and through music platform Bandcamp.

Martin, along with fellow troupe members Amy West (visual storyteller and lead puppeteer) and Abby Hanna (co-writer, performer, and musician), drew inspiration from works by Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson, and Bram Stoker. The performance explores what defines a monster, featuring songs that range from atmospheric to playful and danceable, with themes around identity, belonging, and otherness.

"In classic literature, the 'monster' is often someone who doesn't fit the societal mold," Martin said. "As a queer artist, I found a lot of beauty and strength in these figures."

Every visual element is performed live, using overhead projectors, moving panorama, sound effects, and video projection to create an experience that feels both intimate and cinematic. West emphasized the medium's power: "Light and shadow allow stories to transform before the audience's eyes, making it the perfect medium for exploring monsters, identity and imagination."

Hanna noted that the show welcomes audiences with varying interests. "One of the joys of this show is watching people realize that puppetry and these old stories can be funny, surprising and very much alive," she said.

Blackbird, which opened this summer at 27 Pleasant St. in downtown Northampton, aims to be a gathering place for local entertainment. Owner Lauryn Winiarski said the venue represents "one more of those places where people can go and feel warm, safe and entertained." After the performance, audiences are invited to remain for a behind-the-scenes conversation with the artists, where they can see the puppets up close and explore the creative process. No prior knowledge of literary classics is required to attend.