A Dragon Approaches Calais

Alan Taylor
October 31, 2019
10 Photos
In Focus

For three days, starting on November 1, actors from the French street-theater company La Machine will escort a 10-meter-tall dragon marionette in a performance across the city of Calais, France. “Le Dragon de Calais,” a massive fire-breathing dragon built of steel and carved wood, stars in the tale of a fantasy creature that emerges from the sea and encounters the people of Calais. After the performance, the dragon will remain in the city, becoming a new tourist attraction.

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A technician touches the "Dragon de Calais," by François Delarozière and La Machine, during a rehearsal in the harbor of Calais, France, on October 30, 2019. #

Pascal Rossignol / Reuters

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Actors from the company La Machine rehearse the Dragon of Calais performance in Calais on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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La Machine performers rehearse The Dragon of Calais in Calais on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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The dragon spits fire during a rehearsal on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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La Machine performers rehearse with the dragon among rain machines on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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The dragon faces the camera, photographed during a rehearsal on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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Performers work on, under, and around the dragon during a rehearsal in Calais on October 25, 2019. #

Francois Lo Presti / AFP / Getty

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On October 30, 2019, people watch a rehearsal of The Dragon of Calais in the harbor of Calais. #

Pascal Rossignol / Reuters

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The dragon extends its wings during a rehearsal on October 30, 2019. #

Pascal Rossignol / Reuters

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A performer stands near controls on the back of the "Dragon de Calais" in Calais, France, on October 30, 2019. #

Pascal Rossignol / Reuters

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