Portishead singer donates 'glacial roar' to Greenpeace bear
Beth Gibbons from the cult band Portishead, has helped Greenpeace to create a 'glacial roar' for a giant polar bear puppet, that will be used on a street protest in central London next Sunday 15 September.
Portishead’s singer recorded a roar for the double-decker bus sized polar bear puppet called Aurora.
The bear will feature a powerful D&B sound system built into its head, and will include the sounds of ice cracking, Arctic wildlife, guttural rumblings and deafening bellows, including other roars donated by both children and adults.
Aurora's march will be part of a global day of action to demand that the Arctic be protected from oil giants planning to drill in its pristine waters.
"The Arctic is an incredible place, home to polar bears like Aurora as well as millions of people,' said Gibbons. 'What does it take to make large corporations, financially driven like Shell, to stop and consider their responsibility? The irreversible damage they cause knowingly is morally wrong. Aurora's parade will be an amazing expression and one I am pleased to have lent my voice."
The giant bear was designed by artist Christopher Kelly and manufactured by Factory Settings, creators of sets for Lady Gaga and the Royal Opera House.
The giant marionette will be operated from the inside by 15 puppeteers from West End blockbuster War Horse, giving her highly realistic movements. They will be directed by Mark Jefferis, a master of this art and film legend Peter Elliot.
