Beast / 2021 / waste cardboard packaging material, wood, garden string, bamboo, found objects.

Commissioned by Applecart Arts for Newham Unlocked Festival / Collaboration between Elizabeth and Alberta Jones.

Drawing on the history of folk costume and accompanying community traditions this performance piece was inspired by research into how traditional costumes were made, what materials were used and why. The project aspired to, through the making of a costume explore the relevence of these practices in the modern day.

The making of the costume was done in collaboration with community groups at Red Door Studios East Ham and through workshops at Newham Unlocked festival. Performer Lucy Wray was brought in to help develop the character and physical traits of the creature. This was further explored in several performances during the festival where the beast was found to provoke both laughter and fear.

The work was exhibited at Red Door Studios as a part of their summer programme.