The Belgian collective known as Captain Boomer in conjunction with Greenwich + Docklands International Festival have created a 17-meter long fiberglass whale and beached on the banks of the river Thames. A cast of performers, acting like scientists, investigated the site as an actual team from the British Divers Marine Association, were on hand to answer any questions about what would happen if the whale was real.
Captain Boomer states, “The psychological archetype of the dead big fish leaves no one untouched. It stirs and mobilizes a local community. During our beachings, we see an intensive interaction among the crowd. People address each other, speculate and wonder. They offer help and ask for information. The different layers of perception create funny games. Some audience members know it is a work of art but feed the illusion to other people. The sperm whale appeals to everyone, regardless of social or cultural background. It is the place where everyone gets together. That’s why it is vital it beaches on a public spot that is freely accessible.”