At a Glance
- The show features a rare female lead, Tanzyn Crawford, who plays Tanselle in a puppet troupe.
- Crawford explains how a complex puppet dragon was built and operated by a crew of five or six people.
- New episodes air every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max.
Why it matters: The series blends traditional storytelling with intricate puppetry, offering a fresh look at the world of Westeros.
The first time a woman named Tanzyn Crawford appeared on screen, she stepped into a role that could change the tone of the series. Her character, Tanselle, is a key member of a traveling puppet troupe that performs in a camp set up for the Ashford tournament. The troupe’s highlight is a fire-breathing dragon that captivates the show’s awkward hero, Dunk.
Puppet Magic Behind the Scenes
The puppet dragon is a marvel of design and engineering. Crawford said the choreography was a collaborative effort: “The choreography that we established [for] the puppet show, everybody worked out together.” She added that five or six people inside the dragon controlled each wing, the head, the body, and the tail. “Everything was very large and very heavy,” she noted. The crew’s work turned a simple cardboard structure into a convincing, breathing creature.
The set designers had to accommodate the puppet’s size. Crawford explained that she carefully planned her movements to fit within the puppet’s choreography. “I just tried my best to make it easy for them to fit in between the choreography,” she said. The team also tweaked the performance for camera angles, ensuring the puppet’s movements translated well on screen.
Tanselle’s Role in the Troupe
Tanselle is portrayed as a creative spirit who enjoys painting and crafting. Crawford described her as “very knowledgeable” and a leader within the troupe. She said, “Her role within the troupe-I imagine that she’s a very creative person and a creative spirit.” The character’s nickname, “Tanselle Too-Tall,” reflects her stature and adds charm to her onstage presence.
While Tanselle shows some shyness on stage, Crawford highlighted her confidence. “We see a bit of shyness in her face when she’s onstage. But Tanselle is still confident in her talent and experience,” Crawford noted. She emphasized that Tanselle’s enjoyment of the craft keeps her engaged, even if the onstage work isn’t her favorite aspect.
Production Notes and Behind-the-Scenes Insight
During a press day, the crew discussed how the puppet shows were integrated into the narrative. The team treated each puppet performance as a complete stage show, rehearsing for a live audience before filming. “We all just choreographed [them] together. Basically we planned a stage show as you would for any production; we just made sure we were facing the audience,” Crawford explained.
The production team had to balance the puppet’s technical demands with the storyline. The puppet’s heavy structure required careful staging, and the crew’s coordination ensured that the dragon’s movements matched the actors’ timing. Crawford’s involvement helped smooth the interaction between the human actors and the puppet.
Episode Release Schedule
Episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrive every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max. Fans can watch the series on either platform, with new installments adding to the story’s progression. The show’s focus on Dunk’s adventures means that Tanselle’s character develops gradually, offering viewers a deeper look into the world’s puppet tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Tanzyn Crawford brings a unique female perspective to a traditionally male-led genre.
- The puppet dragon’s design showcases impressive collaboration among a crew of five or six people.
- Tanselle’s character balances artistic passion with onstage confidence, enriching the narrative.
- Episodes air weekly on Sunday, keeping the audience engaged with the evolving plot.
The blend of puppetry and fantasy storytelling in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms demonstrates how traditional craft can enhance modern television. The series invites viewers to appreciate the meticulous work behind the scenes while enjoying a fresh narrative set in a beloved world.
