Step back in time with ‘Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic’
Back in 1982, Jim Henson — the legendary creator of “The Muppets,” “Sesame Street” and “Fraggle Rock” — released the fantasy epic “The Dark Crystal.” Henson and his team put their skills to the test by bringing to life one of the most rich and lively worlds ever imagined — all without a single human actor present on screen. The groundbreaking puppetry work is only complimented by solid world building, a grand musical score and a fantastically executed tale with thematic weight that never felt bogged down. Despite mixed reactions during its initial release, the film was a box office success and has since gained far wider appeal, with a loyal fanbase that continues to grow.
On September of last year, the Center for Puppetry Arts opened up “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic,”an exhibit dedicated to the making and legacy of the film. Despite already having a number of production memorabilia from the film in their year-round exhibit, the current exhibit goes even further in depth on the film. It features a number of screen-used puppets and props, as well as production notes, photos and artwork.
The minute you step inside, you are greeted with a brief introduction on the film’s plot. From here, you’re led down a series of early development pieces, including a story treatment, preliminary puppetry work from Henson’s company and conceptual art by Brian Froud — whose stunning artwork acted as the film’s initial launching point.
Details of process work. Photo by Mikael Trench. 
Fully rendered maquette. Photo by Michael Trench. 
Materials used for the creation of the Skesis. Photo by Mikael Trench.
You then come across the puppetry development work. Specifically character and concept design sheets, body and facial controls, detailed maquettes of some characters, clothing and notes. This section only gives you a taste, however, for what’s next.
Screen used puppet for Jen. Photo by Mikael Trench. 
Screen used puppet of Aughra. Photo by Mikael Trench.
What is, without a doubt, the highlight of the exhibit, are the puppets used in the film that inhabit the majority of the space. Seeing these creations up close is enough to bring tears to your eyes if you’re a fan. Jen, Aughra, several Podlings, some of the smaller creatures, the head of one of the Landstriders, one of the Skeksis and one of the Mystics greet you like old friends upon entering this section.
Screen used puppet for a Mystic. Photo by Mikael Trench. 
Screen used head of a Landstrider. Photo by Mikael Trench.
Other than the pure awe of seeing such beloved faces in real life, it becomes apparent just where all the years of artistry and craftsmanship went to. The level of detail in the designs alone is enough to make your jaw meet the floor — and keeping in mind the group of dedicated puppeteers that helped bring the creatures to life, it makes the work put into them even more amazing. Especially for large puppets such as the Mystics and Skesises, which appear taller than some people. Even creatures that get little screen time have an immense amount of detail, for example the Landstrider head on display — which hardly even gets a close up in the film, yet is given elaborate eyes, hairs and wrinkles.
Screen used puppets for “The Dark Crystal” fan films. Photo by Mikael Trench. 
Novels and comics created by fans. Photo by Mikael Trench. 
Fashion illustration for “The Dark Crystal” clothing collection. Photo by Mikael Trench.
The final section of the exhibit lures you in to its clutches. This section looks into the release and legacy of “The Dark Crystal.” Presented are a variety of memorabilia from the time — novels and advertisements for an elaborate clothing line all tied into the film’s release. This is followed by the legacy the film left, in which a pair of puppets that were the winning entries in an official fan film contest were presented alongside their respective films on a small screen. The finishing touch include novels and comics created by fans, as well as information regarding the upcoming Netflix prequel series.
To say the least, this was a fantastic exhibit and is sure to give fans of the film more than enough. However, easily the best part of the exhibit are seeing children who are given nothing to watch nowadays but CGI garbage like “Minions,” gasp in awe at the living breathing world made of latex, foam and beads. It goes to show that “The Dark Crystal” — even 35 years after its release — still has the power to captivate and inspire generations to push their imaginations to heights they never thought possible.
Be sure to visit this remarkable exhibit at the Center for Puppetry Arts located at 1404 Spring St. NW before it ends on Sept. 1.
