A BASKET MAKER from Chagford was commissioned for a piece of weaving with a difference recently — a 6ft model of a whale.

The willow-whale, painted in suitably aquatic colours in turquoise, aquamarine and indigo and decorated with gold leaf, was made by Linda Lemieux.

It forms an integral part of a millennium community play called 'Whale' by Mark Beeson — involving children and adults from the Dartmoor area.

Linda said: 'They commissioned it about two months ago — it's taken quite a lot of work.

'I had to design something which was free-standing, so the whale sits on this big, wide tail.'

Linda made the framework of the whale from specially imported cane, but all the willow has been sourced locally.

'It represents a goddess, so I had this idea to make it look sort of watery and beautiful,' said Linda, who wove the willow in a spiral to give the impression of movement.

'It was really good fun making it, it certainly had me scratching my head. It had to be light enough because, at some points in the play, the children have to carry it and it had to be see-through so you can see people behind it on stage,' she said.

Whale is being performed by MED Theatre (Manaton and East Dartmoor). The story integrates mythology with anthropology and ecology to investigate regional and sexual politics and the dynamics of power in the South West.

Other features in the play include a floor canvas by painter Olivia Young, costumes by Fiona Avis and Deborah Marsh, props by Sharron Townsend and artwork by Dickon Fell.

Whale opens at Manaton Parish Hall tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

There are further performances at Manaton on Saturday, Chagford Jubilee Hall on October 3, Postbridge Village Hall on October 4 and Moretonhampstead Village Hall on October 6 and 7.

Tickets cost £4, £3.50 for concessions, £2 children. Bookings on 01647 221384.

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