Monkey King

This performance project based on the classic Chinese text 'Journey to the West' concluded with performances at Picnic in the Park 2010 on 27th June and at Moira Furnace on 4th July. We worked with around 40 young people during the project. They took part in workshops with Chinese musician Ling Peng, dancer and puppeteer Alice Cade, percussionist Victor Scott, dancer Jenny Edwards and puppeteer Cath Connolly. Costumes, masks and props were designed and made by Mel Harrison. The project was directed by Phil Coggins of Babbling Vagabonds Theatre Company, who had to find a way to boil a 2300 page text down to a 20 minute performance.

The project was part of the Igniting Ambition Festival of Festivals, part of the Cultural Olympiad. It was funded by Igniting Ambition, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation and Leicestershire Shire Grants.