SITE RESPONSIVE PERFORMANCE
Celebration Parade is a participatory cultural exchange designed to have a lasting impact on the children and communities involved. Since 2010, Handspring Puppet Company has worked with children in Barrydale, South Africa, developing workshops, parades and performances. Building on this experience, the project can bring together more than 150 children from the presenting community, culminating in a public street parade and performance. Commissioned by WOMADelaide in 2024, the project was developed in Adelaide with Slingsby Theatre Company and local participants, demonstrating how the concept can be adapted to the fauna and community of each location.
The project features five life-size elephant puppets, each operated by three puppeteers, with the possibility of adding other local animals such as giraffes and antelopes. Led by experienced facilitators from South Africa, children and teachers learn to construct their own puppets and explore the physical language of the animals they create. Designed by Handspring Puppet Company using recycled and easily sourced materials, the puppets reflect local fauna and draw attention to endangered species and conservation.
Whether presented as a one-off event or developed over several years, Celebration Parade uses the elephants as ambassadors for local wildlife, bringing together communities across generations and backgrounds. Each project leaves a lasting legacy of greater awareness of endangered species, new puppet-making skills and a shared experience of creativity and participation.
CREDITS
Director & South African Producer : Basil Jones
Director & Designer : Adrian Kohler
South African Creative Partner: Ukwanda Puppets & Designs Art Collective
Australian Creative Partner: Slingsby Theatre Company
Commissioned by: WOMADelaide 2024