How can we stimulate conversations about immigration, migration and ‘otherness’?
How can we face prejudice and fear with a symbol of unity?
Revered and respected in the East and a monstrous animal in the West, the dragon is a universal icon. Ancient cultures across the world feature the dragon in their folklore, stories, and imagery. From China to India, Africa, Eastern Europe, Russia and across the UK.
Developing The Hatchling we consulted experts in puppetry and kite flying, a set designer, a ferry company, a hot air balloon company and a production management team working in the commercial world, screen animators and scientists.
The large-scale puppet dragon was designed in consultation with a palaeontologist and based on the anatomy of dinosaurs, reptiles and other flying creatures.
Roaming the city and evoking a mixture of fear and empathy amongst locals, before unbelievably taking flight, The Hatchling underlines themes around freedom of movement. Our dragon is a lost migrant trying to find a home.