Iris – A day in the life of a street performer
A series of Images of Hamilton stilt walker Iris Riddell
Through a series of images taken by Libby Kissick, Gordonton local and 2010 Wintec journalism graduate Iris Riddell demonstrates the art of stilt walking.
Iris, 21, was introduced to the stilts at Hamilton’s Starmakers – an after school drama and singing class – when a chance carnival scene called for a stilt walker.
“I think I was 15, they [the tutors] asked me if I’d be interested in learning,” said Iris.
Along with poise and concentration, footholds and tightened straps are all that stands between Iris and the ground. “The longest time spent up [on the stilts] was two hours,” she said.
Thankfully, she makes it look easy and has performed with the Hamilton Free Lunch theatre group, on stilts, for the likes of Hamilton’s Summer Garden Festival, Balloons Over Waikato and Earth Hour.
Check out Libby Kissick’s photos of Iris here:
