Giant three-metre Orpheus puppet goes on display

A giant puppet representing Orpheus, the legendary poet and musician from ancient Greek mythology, has been unveiled to the public in Gloucestershire. Standing at an impressive three metres tall, the puppet is dressed in a bright yellow tunic and a blue scarf, with curly brown hair and a golden lyre resting in his lap. One hand is raised, as if he is about to play music, and the puppet is currently displayed in front of the historic Gloucester Cathedral, making for a striking sight.

This remarkable puppet will take center stage at the Cirencester Phoenix Festival in August, where it will lead a parade through the town. Before the festival, visitors can view the puppet at the New Brewery Arts centre in Cirencester. The creation of the Orpheus puppet is part of a larger celebration marking the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Orpheus Mosaic at Barton Farm, just outside Cirencester. The mosaic is a significant piece of Roman art that depicts Orpheus and highlights the town’s rich historical heritage. Stuart Matthew Price, the producer of Project Orpheus, emphasized the importance of reminding the people of Cirencester about their unique history and the cultural experiences available within their own community.

The project is a collaboration between several local organizations, including the Barn Theatre, New Brewery Arts, and the Corinium Museum, in association with the Phoenix Festival. The festivities will culminate in a grand parade on August 23, starting at the Abbey Grounds. The giant Orpheus puppet will be the focal point, surrounded by hundreds of participants, many of whom are children carrying their own handmade animal puppets. This is a nod to the ancient myth that Orpheus could charm animals with his music. Russell Kirk, the artist behind the puppet, explained that creating such a large and detailed figure required extensive research, especially to capture the look and feel of the original mosaic. He aimed to give Orpheus a youthful and wistful expression, and described the creative process as a kind of conversation with the materials. Beth Alden, CEO of New Brewery Arts, reflected on how the discovery of the mosaic 200 years ago reconnected Cirencester with its Roman roots, and she believes it is vital to celebrate that moment. The Orpheus puppet and the upcoming parade offer a unique opportunity for the community to come together and honor their shared history.