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An ambitious, theatrical rendering of animal symbolism and folklore featuring a towering monster puppet, volunteer performers from Colstons primary school and a live soundtrack Grumbling Fur


With: GRUMBLING FUR, Rosie Heafford, Serena Korda

Aping the Beast is Serena Korda’s ambitious, theatrical rendering of animal symbolism and folklore – as creation story. The central spectacle is a towering monster puppet handmade in latex, reminiscent of early B-movies such as Godzilla or The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. 

Both acts are accompanied by Alexander Tucker and Daniel O’Sullivan’s musical project Grumbling Fur, who perform an original score live on stage.  Choreography is devised by Serena Korda and Rosie Heafford, whilst the characters the ‘Boggarts’ will be performed by children from Colstons Primary School in Bristol.

Aping the Beast sees the portentous beast roused to its full terror in a ritual performed featuring wizened old men known as ‘Boggarts’ – characters from Lancashire folklore, believed to malevolently wield destructive powers. The performance convenes the human agency of the local community to bring the inanimate creature to life, exorcising its menacing tyranny.

Aping the Beast is co-commissioned by an Artsadmin Jerwood Commission, Camden Arts Centre, London and Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool.

This event is being streamed live on This is Tomorrow

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