War Horse Puppeteers Supporting Peace in Ethiopia

Hi,

 

My name is Chris and my partner is Senayt,

I am an ex-War Horse puppeteer from the National Theatre's production in London. 

"In a year where protests have become a regular activity, it is time to bring something else to the cause. Puppets are innocent, create enjoyment, stimulate imagination and most importantly bring people together. If we can help achieve this peacefully, to educate those who may not have heard about these atrocities on the main stream media, then we might be able to start making a change."

 

Since November 4th 2020 the Ethiopian government turned off the internet in the region of Tigray where Senayt's family lives and begun a full assault against the people of Tigray. Phone lines were blocked, electricity and water supplies were blocked, international aid was blocked and the Eritrean army joined the Ethiopian army in tearing the region to pieces. There have been horrendous stories of rape, massacres and genocide. 

Over 75,000 refugees fled into Sudan, many of whom did so to be able to escape this isolation and reach the outside world again, but sadly most fled due to their homes being looted and families, parents and siblings being slaughtered in front of their eyes. These refugees and the Tigrayan civilians who are still inside Ethiopia are now facing severe starvation. 

Senayt has not been able to contact her family for the last 4 months due to the fact that the Ethiopian government blocked all phone communications once again, not to mention essential food and medical supplies. Her Father suffers from severe chronic asthma and anaemia. Due to the on going conflict and blockage of International Aid it is highly unlikely that he is receiving the medication he so dearly needs. 

 

Over the last 2 weeks the situation has seriously deteriorated. The government has been bombarding Mekelle with multiple airstrikes - some which have intentionally targeted and destroyed the farmers crop supplies.

 

I can't keep searching for updates on Google anymore and feel like there must be more I can do.

 

 

 

 

I have kindly been granted the use of a large War Horse style lion puppet designed by Jimmy Grimes and David Cauchi. It currently lives in Trebah Gardens, Cornwall with Cousin Jack's - a “Community Interest Company” which means they are non-profit making and have primary social objectives similar to a charity.

I will be taking this puppet to Leeds with a team of professional War Horse puppeteers on Saturday 30th October to join a peaceful protest with the Tigray Youth Network. We will also join the infamous 'Little Amal' Syrian Refugee puppet in Rochdale on Tuesday 2nd November. Lions hold a significance in Ethiopian culture so we thought it would be an appropriate way to represent this beautiful country.

 

Our aim is to help draw attention and build larger crowds for the people of Tigray to have their voices finally heard. Many of them are in the same position as Senayt, completely unable to contact their loved ones whilst slowly watching their country self-destruct.

 

In a year where protests have become a regular activity, it is time to bring something else to the cause. Puppets are innocent, create enjoyment, stimulate imagination and most importantly bring people together. If we can help achieve this peacefully, to educate those who may not have heard about these atrocities on the main stream media, then we might be able to start making a change.

 

I am self-funding this small project, which has turned out to be a little more expensive than first anticipated so any donation no matter how small will make a difference. It would allow me to invest even more of my time and money into similar projects which I am now so passionate about. 

Costs for this current event include- 

- Hiring a team of 4-6 professional actors/puppeteers

- Travel Expenses for all puppeteers 

- Food and Water for all puppeteers

- Van hire for transporting the puppet

- Petrol (2000 mile round trip Great Yarmouth - Cornwall - Leeds - Manchester - Cornwall - Great Yarmouth - Home)

- Secure parking and storage

- Accommodation where required 

- Promotion and Advertising

I must stress that this is a deeply complicated political situation. The international community must raise awareness in hope that Tigray and ALL of Ethiopia can start healing before it's too late. 

DO WHAT YOU LOVE FOR THOSE YOU LOVE

 

Chris