The Little Giant of Nantes

One day something strange — was it a rocketship? — appeared on the streets of Nantes.

And then, without warning, something even stranger emerged from the rocketship. Click here if you want to see what happened.

The Little Giant strode through the center of town, with mobs of little people in pursuit.

The Big Girl stopped to rest her big feet.

Said a bystander (one of the little people):

I must say that this was one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. People got very involved in the story to the point where they interpreted what the Little Giant was feeling based on what she was doing and how she acted. They talked about her as a person, not a contraption. At one point we asked someone where she was and they told us that she decided to go out for a walk after her shower. In the evening people were saying that she was riding the elephant because she was sleepy. I didn't see it, but I was told that on Sunday morning the Little Giant had to pee — and when she did, all of the handlers turned their backs and looked away so as not to embarrass her. It's that kind of little detail, that kind of gesture, that allowed it to transcend mere puppetry. It's hard to believe without actually being there, but just watching her sleep fills you with emotion.

(via Creative Generalist)

Comments

[Hootsbuddy]

Enchanting find. It's hard to imagine such a thing in the US.
With such visual appeal it is curious the television people haven't grabbed it. The video snips are just enough to whet the appetite. I suppose it fails the PC test with all the French-bashing and such.
Thanks for the link, anyway.

[mitchell kriegman]

who made these puppets do you know? we want to bring them to california for a puppetry festival!!