In the weeks leading up to the two major public events of The Herds, Rotterdam residents are actively involved in bringing the herd to life. In intensive workshops, one hundred participants learn the art of puppetry, explore the aesthetics of the project, and engage with the story of the animals’ flight. Under the guidance of the team from The Walk Productions and the puppeteers of the South African Ukwanda Puppets and Designs Art Collective, participants learn the character of the herd and how it will respond when confronted with the bustle of the city. In Rotterdam, this striking encounter between humans and animals comes vividly to life. The workshops bring together residents, students, artists, and festival-goers, making them active co-creators of a large-scale art event.
In collaboration with Dik Danstheater, students from Codarts, and local communities, the herd will be brought to life on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 March, transforming the streets of Rotterdam into a breathtaking stage.