New Carnival are bringing a huge ‘Green Man’ puppet to the streets of Ryde this summer.
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 is based in West Yorkshire, specialising in giant outdoor interactive puppet walkabout acts, performing in more than 14 different countries.
Their work has previously been featured in a major Disney Film.
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.
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."
New Carnival creative volunteers have been left to decorate the Green Man, who will make his first public appearance at the Ryde Mardi Gras parade on Saturday July 6.
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.
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 encapsulated the strength and enduring power of nature and its intrinsic relationship with humankind, broadly in keeping with the Biosphere Island concept.
Creative Volunteer Heather Vann said:
"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.
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