Landscape & Urban Design Issue 33 2018 | Page 28

MEET SIYANDA PROTECTOR OF PLANTS Theatre for families in Kew’s Temperate House this October | Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 October 2018 Meet Siyanda, who this October will be inviting visitors to join her mission protect the world’s plants. For just nine days, Kew is teaming up with award-winning theatre company, Theatre-Rites to bring to life the story of the magnificent Temperate House and its precious plants through a theatrical experience using live music, puppetry and performance. Siyanda, a completely original creation, is the guardian of the glasshouse who will be imparting her incredible knowledge and wisdom of some of the temperate plants of Africa. A larger-than-life puppet, she towers at six feet tall, her dress adorned with seeds, grasses and other special items to assist her on her quest. Accompanying her are three performers, her fellow ‘Plant Protectors’ who will help visitors on their adventure. The Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse, has recently reopened its doors after a huge five-year restoration. Housing over 10,000 plants from across the world’s temperate zones, this magnificent structure is the jewel in Kew’s crown and an utterly unique performance space. A resounding call from a ‘Plant Protector’ will signal the start of the performance, calling visitors young and old to gather and ready themselves for a journey. On this exciting experience, visitors will discover why these plants are so important to us all. 28 Landscape & Urban Design Issue 34 2018