The Mysterious World of Almighty Opp: Los Angeles’ Guerrilla Puppet Indicate

For nearly 25 years, a unique and enigmatic performance has been captivating audiences on a gritty street corner in Los Angeles’ Koreatown. Known as “almighty Opp,” this guerrilla-style musical puppet show, conceived and created by an artist who goes by Jeffrey’s Human Persona, has garnered a devoted following. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a personal tragedy, almighty Opp has returned, evolving to include both its traditional street performances and new, ticketed events.

A History of Anonymity and Devotion

Jeffrey’s Human Persona has remained anonymous throughout the nearly quarter-century of almighty Opp’s existence. The monthly “services,” as Jeffrey refers to them, were a consistent presence on the last Saturday of each month at the corner of Western and Elmwood, missing only three shows in the first 19 years. Los Angeles Times reports that the pandemic forced a shift online in 2020 and a family tragedy kept the performances away from the live venue for several years.

In December, almighty Opp returned to its original location in front of a used car dealership, drawing hundreds of fans. February 2026 saw the debut of “Secret Somewhere Services,” a ticketed event with a limited capacity of around 50 guests, who paid $100 each to attend a pop-up show in the San Fernando Valley. Micah Nelson, Willie Nelson’s youngest son, and his art rock project Particle Kid, opened for the event.

The Performance: Puppets, Music, and Community

Almighty Opp is more than just a puppet show. It’s a blend of handmade puppets, original music, and a unique atmosphere that fosters a sense of community. Jeffrey plays guitar and keyboards behind the curtain, singing songs that reflect his personal experiences and feelings. To date, 33 albums featuring songs from past performances are available on Bandcamp.

The puppets themselves are far from traditional. Descriptions include a “tubby, clownish, snowman-like creature that spits water at the crowd,” a “tall, spindly clown,” and a “weird sock puppet made out of adhesive bandages.” Lyrics often touch on themes of acceptance and self-compassion, with a recurring refrain of “It’s OK to not be OK.”

Jeffrey emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the street corner performances, but acknowledges the core audience is a returning one. Attendees often interact with each other, sharing stories and creating a supportive environment. Atlas Obscura notes that the atmosphere can feel like a self-help group, with spectators sharing how the show has impacted their lives.

Beyond the Street Corner

While the street corner remains central to almighty Opp, Jeffrey is exploring new avenues for the project. The “Secret Somewhere Services” represent an expansion of the format, with larger puppets and a more experimental approach. Tickets for these events are distributed through Instagram.

Jeffrey, who previously worked as an assistant to sculptor Chris Burden and for Disney Imagineers, describes himself as “an obsessive maker.” He views the performances as a reflection of his own life journey, and the audience as participants in that journey. He states, “It’s all about honesty, and the people who understand it and keep coming, they understand that it’s something absolutely real.”

Where and When

• Location: Corner of Western and Elmwood avenues, Koreatown, Los Angeles
• Schedule: The last Saturday of every month, 9 p.m.
• Cost: Free (donations accepted)