Beka Haigh

Beka Haigh is an artist based in the North of England. Much of her work can be described by the term 'live illustration', which includes (but is not limited to) live drawing (also called 'scribing'), 2D and 3D installations and live performance. Her work often combines interactivity, game design and open-source technology in surprising ways. 
 
Beka is also a multi-disciplinary artist in the outdoor arts sector. Beka's company Frolicked makes puppet-orientated experiences for unusual locations and has captivated audiences of all ages and nationalities across Europe with her work. Through Lowry's Developed With programme Beka is bringing her unusual style of theatrical work indoors for the first time.

Instagram: @mischiefinthemaking

Website: https://bekahaytch.uk/

ABOUT BEKA’S DEVELOPED WITH PROJECT

THE BOX

Three women. One box. A shit load of demons. 

Three puppeteers representing three ages of womanhood are the Fates from Greek mythology; spinning, cutting and pulling the threads behind their version of the Pandora's Box fable. Pandora - a spider - is on the verge of opening something she shouldn't open. But she's restless. And the fates have decided that her wrath will get the better of her... Demons are inevitably unleashed and as the Fates battle to contain the unexpected onslaught, they must confront their mistake with the only thing left in the box: hope. 

For the first time in her theatrical work, Beka is exploring deeply personal themes rooted in her own experiences of trauma. THE BOX draws on Greek mythology, lived experience, and the collective strength and fury of women, to reimagine a myth historically shaped by male voices. Through this bold and cathartic work, the fates will  take control - because even Zeus couldn’t stop them.

“My Developed With Lowry project is split into three distinct phases - each reflecting the Pandora's Box myth that inspired them. 'Opening the box' is a series of research and experiments with interactive technology, 'Grappling with Demons' is where I face integrating very personal experiences into my work for the first time and 'Unleashing the Hope' is a final puppetry performance piece that aims to offer hope (particularly for women) during and after severe trauma. Lowry has very kindly chosen to support me to explore ways to present this potentially powerful piece and I'm confident in their ability to navigate incredibly taboo subject matter with sensitivity and a healthy dose of female empowerment.” – Beka Haigh