Robert Draws – The Herds transforms public spaces in London into living stages where ecological urgency is expressed through movement and symbolism. Giant animal puppets including giraffes, gorillas, and monkeys walk from Soho to Covent Garden in a powerful artistic performance. The project was created by the South African collective Ukwanda in collaboration with local performers and environmental artists. Through these towering puppets, the audience is invited to reflect on the global issue of climate-driven migration. The performance captures both the wonder of theatrical scale and the gravity of ecological collapse. It is not merely entertainment but a vivid visual protest. Crowds were drawn in large numbers, their attention captivated by the surreal beauty of animals walking the city streets. A sense of reverence was felt throughout the procession. The show is set to continue at the Manchester International Festival, expanding its message to a broader audience.
At the core of The Herds is the belief that storytelling can become a medium for climate communication. These animal puppets are more than visual spectacle; they carry a message of planetary distress. Each puppet has been handcrafted using sustainable materials and reflects specific aspects of wildlife forced to migrate due to deforestation, drought, or human expansion. As the puppets move along London’s streets, a narrative unfolds without dialogue or text. Instead, the audience experiences emotion through rhythm, movement, and sound. Drums echo through alleyways while performers manipulate the puppets’ heads and limbs with precision. The visual choreography evokes both dignity and desperation. The puppets have been designed with striking detail, their lifelike presence challenging the viewer to recognize the fragility of nature. The symbolism behind their journey is clear, but it is never didactic. Rather than dictate meaning, the performance invites individual interpretation rooted in shared ecological concern.
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Ukwanda Puppet and Design Company, based in South Africa, has brought a distinctly African perspective to a European stage. This collaboration between African artists and British institutions bridges continents through shared artistic intent. The animals chosen for the piece have symbolic importance within both African mythology and contemporary ecological discourse. Ukwanda’s craftsmanship and cultural depth are expressed through every seam and movement of the puppets. The influence of South African street theatre traditions can be seen in how performers engage directly with their audience. Children wave, adults pause their daily routines, and tourists are unexpectedly immersed in an unfolding environmental allegory. While the setting is London, the heartbeat of this work originates in Africa. It represents a new chapter in cultural exchange through public art. The Herds not only shares a story about climate, but also about the global South’s voice in shaping environmental narratives in the public eye.
The debut of The Herds was met with emotional responses from diverse audiences. People followed the animals as they moved between landmarks, snapping photos and whispering in awe. Many onlookers expressed that it was the first time they had seen art confront the climate crisis in such a tactile and immediate way. Children pointed at the giraffes and asked questions about nature, while adults reflected on the symbolism of endangered species walking through a modern metropolis. The presence of these gentle giants brought traffic to a standstill and opened spontaneous dialogues among strangers. Local media outlets highlighted the event not just for its beauty, but for its bold message. Some passersby were unaware that they would encounter a performance that day, making the surprise even more impactful. The city, often rushed and distant, was slowed by the emotional rhythm of the march. The animals were not ignored; they were remembered.
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Following its powerful introduction in London, The Herds will appear next at the Manchester International Festival. There, it will engage new audiences while expanding its storytelling to include additional animal figures and revised movement sequences. Plans are being developed to tour across Europe and later to global climate summits. The impact of The Herds lies in its ability to blend performance, puppetry, and activism into one cohesive experience.
Future versions may include educational workshops or collaborations with local schools and environmental NGOs. The team behind the production hopes to encourage civic participation through art that moves and speaks without words. The puppets may change shape or color depending on regional climate issues, allowing the performance to adapt globally while keeping its core message intact. The story of migration, loss, and resilience will continue to unfold on city streets, where the audience is always part of the show simply by witnessing it.
