There is an Animal That is Called an Elephant

Research presentation by Dr Alexandra Paddock and sharing of a work-in-progress exploring the life and times of Henry III’s elephant through music, puppetry and text.

In 1254, King Henry III of England received an extraordinary gift from King Louis IX of France – an elephant.

There is an Animal That is Called an Elephant is a work-in-progress performance inspired by this moment. Drawing on Dr Alexandra Paddock’s research into medieval eco-criticism and the imaginative world of bestiaries, it explores the life of this elephant through music, puppetry and spoken word.

The event begins with a 20-minute talk by Dr Alexandra Paddock, followed by a sharing of the work-in-progress and a short Q&A with Alexandra Paddock, Cheryl Frances-Hoad (composer), Tobi Poster-Su (puppeteer), Tom Poster (pianist), and Kate Wakeling (writer).

Development support by the Schwarzman Centre Cultural Programme, University of Oxford