Sunday 22 August 2010

The Diver and The Little Giant!

Yesterday was the most magical day here in Antwerp city. Do you remember dreaming that your dolls would come to life when you were little, well for the last 3 days that fantasy was brought to life by the incredibly talented French theatre company, Royal de Luxe. I have never seen so many people in the city that had all come to follow the Diver and his niece searching for each other through the streets of the city. Suddenly all the usual towering buildings looked miniature alongside them, like walking into another world!

When we arrived the giant doll and diver were sleeping in different parts of the city, with very loud breathing to be heard from far away! The facial details were amazing, we filmed some parts so when I get back from the UK in a week or so I'll put together a little movie so you too can share in some of the magic. It was amazing to see how the people from the theatre worked to make them wake up and then walk along, extraordinary effort! To make the diver walk they had to spring in duos from the truck behind the puppet pulling the string down which lifted a leg, then others physically pulled the feet forward with string! It was a very warm humid day and they were in thick velvet outfits but it did make the whole picture quite magical! So I hope these pictures will keep you amused whilst I'm away for a week. Click on images to see larger versions in my Flickr account. When I return I'll have my new secret project all ready to launch and get ready for a GIVEAWAY! Hugs, Catherine x
Sleeping in the city!
Sleep softly
The Giant Diver by The River Schelde
The Giant Diver sleeping
Waking up!
Let's get going!
The city looks miniature!
The Little Giant
Take a walk!

17 comments:

Deb said...

this was just awesome and would have been very historical to be there to see this magical display take place. So glad that you took the time to take pictures and show us!! thank you

Pom Pom said...

Amazing! I love the great appreciation for art here.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I guess I would have LOVED that parade! Dolls...huge dolls! What an amazing site....so much work and detail in each doll! WOW! ♥ I've never seen anything like this! So glad you took photos to share! ♥

Mouse Droppings Folk Art said...

I have admired that company & its over-sized puppets for so long...my dream would be to spend a vacation watching them come to life. Lucky you! Susan

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Wow! I just came across your blog and.... Love it!
I am signing up to follow!
Have a good afternoon~
Leticia

ted and bunny said...

Hi Catherine, thanks so much for visiting and your very kind comment.
I know Motcombe well and have friends there- Shaftesbury is still very nice- and always colder than the rest of the country!

These photos, and your post is amazing- so surreal, I've never seen anything like it.

Hope to chat again, have a good week
xx

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Wonderful photographs, Catherine.
We have all been fascinated here at The Tearoom!!
Wishing you a lovely week ahead(and looking forward to seeing your mystery project!)
Susan x

Tracy said...

That is incredible, Catherine! Now that's something for children's dreams! Thanks for taking us along. Hope you have a safe & wonderful trip this week. Look forward to news when you get back. :o) ((HUGS9)

toni said...

OMG, what can I say? I'm in awe. I've never seen anything like that, so incredible. thank you for bringing then to my little pocket of the world.x

Vicki Boster said...

Catherine - what a magnificent story and photos - lifelike dolls - totally amazing. This is one of the reason that I love your blog so much - you treat us to the most incredible places and sights! Thank you for this wonderful parade!

Vicki

Relyn Lawson said...

oh my goodness! I am completely stunned by this. I can hardly stand to wait to see the movie. Magical is right.

Lauren Castillo said...

How awesome is this?! Thanks for posting these magical photos :)

Camila F. said...

It must be amazing to be able to see it live, I've only seen in pictures and video!

Sarah said...

OH.MY.GOODNESS. That's amazing! Thank you so much for taking photos! Will have to show my other half. Very excited about seeing the video!

Hugs, Sarah x

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for sharing your photos, of the lifelike dolls, they are huge.
You live in a beautiful place of the world and must be magic to see things like this.

Hugs
Carolyn

Unknown said...

These are just awesome I would love to see something like this I have heard of the great things this theatre company does. The logistics alone OMG.

Raewyn

Mandy @ Belle and Boo said...

That looks incredible, I hope they walk over to the UK