A Dark and Twisted Theatre Play

Adelina Bernard’s short film for Spring/Summer, Pulling Strings, is a poetic meditation on power and authorship: who moves us, and to what end. It traces the gathering of puppets for a dark, distorted theatre piece, each one embodying a force that shapes human behaviour. Through shadow play, the film offers an homage to the theme of puppetry from a oblique angle.

THE STORY OF PULLING STRINGS CHARACTERS

He Who Pulls from Within

Character 1 represents The Invisible Hand in puppet form. It reflects the strings of desperation for control, the desire to remain in charge even when stepping back.

She Who Was Claimed by the Drapes

Character 2 symbolises the strings of one's surroundings, and how they can restrict one's becoming, guiding them into paths that conform to their environment.

Adelina Bernard SS25 Pulling Strings campaign woman in aubergine blouse and black skirt standing on pedestal with hair suspended like puppet strings
She Who Let Herself Dim

Character 3 explores mental health and the strings that come along with it, and how one can be pulled towards darkness, and within that, feel the need to perform or even find comfort.

Adelina Bernard SS25 Pulling Strings campaign figure wearing a mask in grey pleated shirt and pants standing on pedestal with limbs suspended like puppet strings
The One with No Face

Character 4 shows how societal expectations and standards can pull people in the same direction, creating a need to belong and, in turn, a fear of expressing one’s true identity.

Adelina Bernard SS25 Pulling Strings campaign man in white layered vest and black trousers standing on pedestal with arms suspended in puppet strings
The One Who Drowned in Sorrow

Character 5 represents the effects of grief, how one can lose their sense of self after absence, and the way it alters people’s movement through life and perspective on it.

She Who Spun Away

Character 6 symbolises the strings of habits, how they can unintentionally lead people into certain decisions and behaviours, and the complications of breaking patterns one has known for long.

Adelina Bernard SS25 Pulling Strings campaign woman seated on pedestal in corset with hanging strings and raised puppet-like gesture
The One Who Turned to Dust

Character 7 explores how the longing to be seen and the need for validation strings people along, influencing one’s self-worth and the behaviour adopted to fulfil this need.

The Invisible Hand

Character 8 is not a puppet, but rather a higher power: a commentary on authorship and control, and the desperation to dictate others, with or without their acceptance.