Sarruga
Find out more about Sarruga and their work
PEIXOS
PEIXOS, Sarruga
Sat 20th July 2013, Newbury Town Centre
Barcelona-based Sarruga returned to Newbury for the second time, with a dynamic promenade show where giant, pedal powered ocean life swam through the streets of Newbury, to gasps from watching crowds.
On a hot summer’s evening, schools of fish, including giant clownfish and jellyfish, paraded down the street to pounding drum and bass, chased by a shark, spurting clouds of steam at the audience and passers by.
Some of the contraptions for transporting and moving the puppets were pedal powered, so were cycled down the street by the puppeteers and volunteers, enabling them to be turned and manoeuvred quickly. It was a night time performance, with the puppets brightly lit, and flares and smoke held near the ground, creating atmosphere, and a sense of excitement.
This was the follow up to Sarruga's first visit to Newbury in 2011 with the show Insectes, and the re-run didn't disappoint for Newbury's growing loyal following of outdoor arts audiences.
‘Peixos’ is Catalan for fish. Barcelona based Sarruga have been making street theatre since 1994, and are known for their original giant metal sculptures inspired by nature. The director was inspired by his experiences of diving to make this piece.
A team of volunteers from all over the South of England helped with some of the last minute construction tasks and wre involved with helping to run the show on the day.
Watch a video of the event
Piexos was funded by Arts Council England Lottery Fund, PRS Foundation, New Greenham Trust, Corn Exchange Newbury