Kathryn Hopkins. Ostrich!

After searching through 'The Animal Lore of Shakespeare's Time' I decided to focus on the ostrich as it seems an unusual choice of animal to use in literature. I found quotes in Shakespeare's plays 'Cleopatra and Antony' and 'Henry IV' where the ostrich is being referred to as strong and ready for battle using metaphors which compare it to a ship and a sword eating knight. These unusual comparisons, the birds historical facts and my own related words created an array of unique ostrich characters including a half camel - half ostrich, Egyptian sword eating ostrich and many contorting ostriches. I explored a range of media to match each of the different personalities such as water paints for the half camel - half ostrich, to show its historical connection through their shared ability to hold water for many weeks gaining its scientific name 'Struthio Camelus' - ostrich camel. After developing each of these characters, I decided to celebrate Shakespeare by placing them all on a stage as though preparing for a play. My mix of inspiration worked well to create a variety of fun and theatrical characters.