New Carnival are bringing a huge ‘Green Man’ puppet to the streets of Ryde this summer- he’ll be looking at you!
Andrew and Kathy Kim, from internationally acclaimed Thingumijig Theatre company, delivered a masterclass for New Carnival creative volunteers and freelance artists this May to help create the large scale ‘Green man’ puppet.
Thingumigjig are based in West Yorkshire, specialising in giant outdoor interactive puppet walkabout acts, performing in over 14 different countries. Their work has even been featured in a major Disney Film.
New skills and techniques
The ‘Green Man’ puppet structure was completed over a long, sunny weekend with the participants learning new skills and techniques as well as gaining insights into the performance aspects- how the puppet comes to life.
Andrew and Kathy, accompanied by their dog Percy, delighted the New Carnival team with their expert and freely shared knowledge. Andrew said of the three-day workshop,
“Great team, nice results, perfect weather, brilliant trip.”
Debut at Ryde IW Mardi Gras
New Carnival creative volunteers have been left to decorate the Green Man who will debut at the Ryde IW Mardi Gras parade Saturday 6th July. This year’s IW Mardi Gras is themed on the ‘Story of Carnival’ – exploring carnival throughout the ages and around the world.
Over twenty school, college and community groups will be taking part. The green man is a three-person puppet, the main wearer being in the body, plus his two arms, another one person each. Standing at an impressive 3m tall, he will be leading the ‘Beltane- May Day’ group, and enhanced by some beautiful costumes worn by St Helens Primary School pupils.
Ancient character embedded in European folklore
The green man, also known as a folate head, is an ancient character with a long history, deeply embedded in European folklore. He symbolises re- birth and re- growth and is closely associated with springtime.
New Carnival felt the Green Man character encapsulates the strength and enduring power of nature and its intrinsic relationship with humankind, broadly in keeping with the Biosphere Island concept.
Morris: A great workshop to be part of
Creative volunteer, Linda Morris, said of the making experience:
“Having the opportunity to share ideas and use different mediums and tools was really beneficial.
“A great workshop to be part of.”
Vann: Learnt lots
Creative Volunteer Heather Vann added,
“Andrew Kim is an amazing craftsman, and he was very generous to share his knowledge and skills with us.
“I learnt about lots of new materials and processes.”
Three local performers will be rehearsing with the Green man puppet prior to the IW Mardi Gras, to ensure he makes the maximum impact. He will be looking out for you in the crowd- watch out.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
