Erth's Lifelike Dinosaur Puppetry Showcases Handcrafted Artistry in Sydney

Erth, a puppetry company, has been producing live dinosaur performances globally for over 35 years. Based in Sydney, Australia, the team creates realistic dinosaur puppets that aim to evoke an uncanny valley effect, suspending disbelief through detailed craftsmanship. Artistic director Scott Wright leads the effort, emphasizing a handcrafted approach in contrast to modern AI trends. The workshop involves artists like Kat Lynch, Steve Howarth (head of design), Holden Cohle, Caleb Marshall, Millie Rollason, Keila Terencio de Paula, Albert David, and Samantha Hickey, who contribute to animatronics, electronics, and design. Puppets are built using techniques such as 3D printing and model references, with some evolving for different shows, like a Siberian tiger transformed into a saber-toothed tiger. An upcoming performance is scheduled at the Sydney Opera House, highlighting the company's commitment to traditional artistry. The work draws from diverse creative backgrounds to achieve scale and realism, with custom rigs like puppet backpacks enhancing the productions.