Giant baby to be delivered in Southwark next week
1 May 2019
Southwark’s Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park – home to the Imperial War Museum - is preparing to host a spectacular weekend of entertainment on a huge scale as it welcomes ZARA.
The creation of two of the UK’s leading arts organisations – Mind the Gap theatre company and outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank, ZARA has been three years in the making and is described as an epic event for all the family.
Featuring a giant baby - which at 22 feet high is bigger than a double decker bus - a cast of over 100, a soaring musical score created by Sarah Llewellyn fresh from her role of Composer in Residence at The RSC, army tanks, cherry pickers and 4x4s, this giant production met with great acclaim when it premiered in Yorkshire in April [The Piece Hall, Halifax] attracting an audience of over 3,500.
Cllr Rebecca Lury, Cabinet Member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities at Southwark Council commented: “Many congratulations to everyone involved in this production and for bringing the London premiere of ZARA to our local park here in Southwark. Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is a beautiful 15-acre location in the heart of the borough. It has hosted a number of events over the years so is the perfect site for welcoming ZARA and her giant baby. The other good news is any of our residents who are ‘Southwark Presents’ card holders will get 50% off their ticket price.”
3D illuminations will be projected on to the Imperial War Museum making it both a backdrop to the performance and central to the story.
Greenwich-based outdoor arts company Emergency Exit Arts (EEA) have worked on the project for three years and have been central to ensuring the production is accessible to all.
Creative Producer Ross Bolwell: “EEA is thrilled to be working on this exciting venture in Southwark; ZARA has enabled us to continue to nurture and extend our existing relationships with cultural organisations and ignite new relationships with local residents and communities.
“We have mobilised an inclusive cast of people who represent the rich tapestry of Southwark including people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, abilities - for many this is their first experience of performing in a professional capacity.”
ZARA tells the story of a mother in a fight to protect and her daughter; when the baby is born she attracts the world’s media, armed forces and placard-waving protestors.
Artistic Director, Joyce Nga Yu Lee said: “There are poignant stories to be told with theatre and this is one; whilst it’s fun, upbeat, contains ridiculous dances and baby ‘poo’ – which we’ve affectionately named ‘Poo-mageddon’ - there is also a story about parenting, motherhood and people with learning disabilities.
“When I started working on this project, I knew I wanted to make it big - I wanted it to be in your face so that people had to take notice. I always imagined it to be like a cross between Godzilla, the Paralympics opening ceremony, and a sci-fi film! I think ZARA will stay with you long after you leave.”
Page last updated: 01 May 2019
