The world-renowned ensemble, Bread and Puppet Theater, will perform “The Apocalypse Defiance Circus,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at Open Space for Arts & Community.

Vashon is the only Seattle-area stop on Bread and Puppet’s tour to more than 50 cities, making the show a rare opportunity to witness the legendary troupe.

Bread and Puppet Theater is an internationally celebrated company that champions a visually rich, street-theater brand of performance art filled with music, dance, and slapstick. Believing that theater is a basic necessity like bread, the company frequently brings its work to the streets for those who may not otherwise go to the theater.

Its shows are political and spectacular, with puppets often on stilts, wearing huge masks with expressive faces, singing, dancing, and playing music.

Founded in 1963 by Peter Schumann on New York City’s Lower East Side, the theater has been based in what it calls the “NorthEast Kingdom of Vermont” since the early 1970s and is one of the oldest, nonprofit, self-supporting theatrical companies in the country.

Fifty-two years ago, the troupe performed “Our Domestic Resurrection Circus” for the first time in Vermont. Since then, the annual spectacle has enthralled generations. This year, though, there’s a timely shift in the title, adding the words “apocalypse and “defiance.”

After the show, Bread and Puppet will serve its famous sourdough rye bread with aioli, and Bread and Puppet’s “Cheap Art” — books, posters, postcards, pamphlets and banners – will be for sale.

“Bread and Puppet has been an inspiration to countless performers for over 50 years. In fact, it was their style of community celebration theater that inspired UMO to establish Islewilde here on Vashon in 1992,” said Janet McAlpin, a producer at Open Space for Arts & Community, urging islanders to take advantage of a rare tour by the company.

For the show at Open Space, there is a suggested donation of $15, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Attendees are also requested to RSVP at OpenSpaceVashon.org, in order for the venue to plan for audience size.

The circus will take place on Open Space’s Great Lawn, or indoors, in the event of inclement weather. Wear something cozy and bring a blanket or low concert chairs, but please leave pets at home.