Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite, who danced with the ballet deconstructionist William Forsythe and his company in Frankfurt, investigates the physics of the body in her fantastical dance-puppet hybrid “Dark Matters” this weekend at the Walker Art Center.

The piece is the first in a series called “Adventures in New Puppetry” that explores the influence of puppet arts in contemporary art and performance.

Pite’s work, performed by her company Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM, begins with a dark fable about a puppet maker and his progeny, which comes menacingly to life (think “Night Gallery” rather than “Pinocchio”). The work then merges into a kinetic world in which the definitions of puppet and human are made indistinguishable by the dancers. For a preview go here.

“Dark Matters.” Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM. 8 p.m., Oct. 14-16, Walker Art Center. Tickets $15-$25. 612-375-7600.