TREES

TREES ground us. They provide shelter for us and warmth for creatures living inside them. They clean our air. They help us exist. But humans are moving away from trees - and into cities. Are we forgetting the lessons trees can teach us?

Trees communicate using underground networks of mycelium and an ethos of sharing and empathy. Can we learn from what goes on both above and below the ground around trees - to become a more caring society who look after their neighbours and planet?

TREES tells the tales of the undergrowth, fungal Logaras who protect the trees and each other and helps to open our eyes to the wonder of trees. 

Through the use of an illuminated installation and digital technology and combining these disciplines with traditional story-telling, puppets, dynamic projection and bespoke audio created from the electronic outputs of actual trees and mycelium networks, we will highlight the story and importance of TREES.

The installation consists of six tree stumps with enticing magic peep holes. Each tree houses a Logara - a fungal protector of the tree. The Logaras work together to keep the underground world healthy and the trees content through a connected web of mycelium. The installation works alongside a creative booklet full of activities, stories and characters to engage the audience.

At dusk, the stumps glow and communicate via light, culminating in a large-scale projection of forests and their canopies on the buildings surrounding the installation.

Using the model of former projects Mystery Bird and COMPACT DISCO, we will engage the community in advance of our arrival via creative zines and postcards. 

You can download your own worksheet here - and create your own Logara Tree Spirit based on the characters of well loved trees.

TREES is now available for hire - contact us for more information. 

“Along with improving our quality of life, green spaces can help to make us physically healthier and improve our mental wellbeing.” The Woodland Trust

TEAM

Creative Directors Gemma Saunders and Jude Jagger of Things That Go On Things

Sound by Jason Singh - The soundscape for TREES has been created using data gathered via bio-electrical feedback from actual living trees and mushrooms - digitally remastered in 360° by artist Jason Singh, David McEwan and d&b Audiotechnik.

Projection by Chris Plant aka Colourburst - Chris illuminates the sculptures - creating a language between the stumps to simulate their communication skills. He has also created an immersive projection piece using particle simulation from mould and filmed footage from forests. . 

Logaras by Hannah Moseng Staff and Oliver Bishop - Puppeteer and storyteller Oliver and illustrator Hannah collaborated to create the Logara characters that inhabit our TREES 

Film Makers - Soup Collective and Alikhan Asadi

Technical Production Management - Jezz Hellens

Assistant Producer - Jesús Blanco Santos

Technician - Jack Humphreys

Fabricators - Blackpool Illuminations at Lightworks

Photography - Joshua Nicholas, Chris Payne, James Mulkeen

WITH THANKS TO

Tom Byrne, Gemma Bond, Sammy Deas, Lee Marks, Jack Hardiker, Office of Everyone , d&b Audiotechnik, The Stage Management Company, Lancashire Wildlife Trust. School of Digital Arts: Manchester Metropolitan University, Fin Hunt, Lilian Vidor, Megan White, Rachel Down, Altogether Otherwise, musicMagpie, City of Trees Manchester, Grocycle Project, Z-Arts

With thanks to our Co-Commissioners: OUTSIDE CPP, Bolton Council, Right Up Our Street CPP