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Description: M’Deer is an antlered giant processional puppet, created in Devon, England by Joanna Hruby. Her head is crafted from newspaper, cardboard and papier maché, whilst her body is made from a sculpted willow shape covered with reclaimed fabrics. Last but not least, she wears a pair of reclaimed antlers. When roaming, wandering and processing, M’Deer has a gentle, dainty and inquisitive nature, and she’s been spotted at various UK festivals and events, always hovering on the fringes of the action for those who care to notice her.
Is there is a folktale connected to your Giant or Beast? M’Deer was originally commissioned for the Wood Sisters Winter Storytelling Festival, an intimate and folklore-steeped gathering which took place in 2014 at the Totnes Steiner School, in Devon, under the directional wizardry of Sue Charman. M’Deer is not connected to any specific myth or folktale, but rather embodies the spirit of the woodlands and forests of England – and especially Dartmoor – which ignited my creative imagination as a young child and has remained deep within me ever since, despite or perhaps especially because of the fact that I am now based in Spain.
What Was the First Event the Giant / Beast Attended? Wood Sisters Winter Storytelling Festival 2014
Who Carries the Giant / Inhabits the Beast, or Is It a Shared Role? M’Deer requires one performer-animator alone, who wears the puppet whilst holding onto a sturdy bamboo pole.
Any tales of outings/visits/strange and wonderful occurrences or special memories that should go down in History M’Deer has had many special adventures across the South of England. Some of her fondest memories include cavorting through a natural labyrinth, accompanied by the Cornish piper Lisa Fresle at the Port Elliot festival… and also serenading a handcrafted giant corn dolly in a field at Medicine Festival 2023, accompanied by a giant, silver-haired hag of Dartmoor, and members of the esoteric psychedelic rock outfit, The Butterfly Wheel. M’Deer has also had various impromtu roles in outdoor performance projects by the Exeter-based theatre company, Four of Swords Theatre.
How is it stored? M’Deer takes extended periods of rest in the attic of a bungalow in Kingsteignton, Devon.
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
M’Deer
Location: Kingsteignton, Devon
Year / Period Created
2014
Description:
M’Deer is an antlered giant processional puppet, created in Devon, England by Joanna Hruby. Her head is crafted from newspaper, cardboard and papier maché, whilst her body is made from a sculpted willow shape covered with reclaimed fabrics. Last but not least, she wears a pair of reclaimed antlers. When roaming, wandering and processing, M’Deer has a gentle, dainty and inquisitive nature, and she’s been spotted at various UK festivals and events, always hovering on the fringes of the action for those who care to notice her.
Is there is a folktale connected to your Giant or Beast?
M’Deer was originally commissioned for the Wood Sisters Winter Storytelling Festival, an intimate and folklore-steeped gathering which took place in 2014 at the Totnes Steiner School, in Devon, under the directional wizardry of Sue Charman. M’Deer is not connected to any specific myth or folktale, but rather embodies the spirit of the woodlands and forests of England – and especially Dartmoor – which ignited my creative imagination as a young child and has remained deep within me ever since, despite or perhaps especially because of the fact that I am now based in Spain.
What Was the First Event the Giant / Beast Attended?
Wood Sisters Winter Storytelling Festival 2014
Who Carries the Giant / Inhabits the Beast, or Is It a Shared Role?
M’Deer requires one performer-animator alone, who wears the puppet whilst holding onto a sturdy bamboo pole.
Any tales of outings/visits/strange and wonderful occurrences or special memories that should go down in History
M’Deer has had many special adventures across the South of England. Some of her fondest memories include cavorting through a natural labyrinth, accompanied by the Cornish piper Lisa Fresle at the Port Elliot festival… and also serenading a handcrafted giant corn dolly in a field at Medicine Festival 2023, accompanied by a giant, silver-haired hag of Dartmoor, and members of the esoteric psychedelic rock outfit, The Butterfly Wheel. M’Deer has also had various impromtu roles in outdoor performance projects by the Exeter-based theatre company, Four of Swords Theatre.
How is it stored?
M’Deer takes extended periods of rest in the attic of a bungalow in Kingsteignton, Devon.
Maker / Creator(s)
Joanna Hruby
Website: www.theatreoftheancients.com
Ref: 16 BFG
If you notice an error in this information, want to ask for additional details to be added or request the removal of any image or information, please contact us quoting the reference number above via email in the footer.
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