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La Machine has come and gone…
Thousands of delighted onlookers lined the streets of Liverpool, waiting to greet the fifty-foot high spider dubbed ‘La Princesse’ by her creators, French theatrical engineers La Machine. Vast in scale and spectacular in execution, this breathtaking new commission was undoubtedly a highlight of the City’s European Capital of Culture celebrations in September 2008.
From the moment when astonished commuters discovered the giant arachnid clinging to a building next to the railway station, to the spectacular finale five days later, the creature stopped the city in its tracks and captured the hearts of Liverpudlians and visitors alike. Will she ever return?
‘She waved her massive legs at the crowd and they waved back, she sprayed water and the crowd begged for more, and when she was caught in a snowstorm and went to sleep in the middle of the main retail area, the audience gave out a great collective sigh of pleasure as if they had all been given a precious free gift. It turned out to be a very bad day for shopping, but a great day for art.’ The Guardian, 8th September 2008
A show by La Machine
Created by François Delarozière.
Music composed by Dominique Malan.
Special effects by Thierry Loridant. Costumes by Gaelle Choveau.
News update
The Spider escapes…
Sun 07 September 2008
The giant mechanical spider that has been roaming Liverpool’s streets since Friday has returned to what scientists believe to be her nest – on the side of Concourse Tower. Having explored the city yesterday afternoon she came to her resting place on the Tower last night. This evening it is believed that she will wake one last time. If you would like to say goodbye to La Princesse, come to Concourse Tower around 7:30 this evening for a spectacular farewell party.
