At Puy du Fou, one of France’s most celebrated historical theme parks, audiences now witness something never seen before: a colossal, living face of the legendary sorceress Morgane emerging from a medieval tower and speaking directly to them. This isn’t an illusion, projection, or digital trick: it’s a 12-square-meter kinetic sculpture, brought to life through a groundbreaking fusion of precision mechanics, artistic vision, and theatrical storytelling.
This isn’t an illusion, projection, or digital trick: it’s a 12-square-meter kinetic sculpture, brought to life through a groundbreaking fusion of precision mechanics, artistic vision, and theatrical storytelling.
The “wow” moment arrives instantly. As the show L'Épée du Roi Arthur reaches a pivotal scene, the tower’s façade stirs. Slowly, hundreds of individual elements move in perfect harmony, reshaping the flat surface into the expressive features of Morgane, who starts speaking.
Why This is A Spectacular Innovation
At the core of this installation there are 206 custom-designed actuated modules, each driven by a linear actuator with a 70 cm travel range. Together, they form an ultra-high-resolution kinetic “display” capable of smooth, complex, and lifelike motion. The engineering challenge was immense: to create a permanent outdoor structure that could endure weather, integrate into a live theatrical performance, and still deliver micro-precise movements that convey emotion from tens of meters away.
Leva’s proprietary motion control platform orchestrates every movement with milimetric accuracy, enabling Morgane to “perform” as a true character rather than a static prop. The result is a mechanical sculpture that doesn’t just move; it acts.
The Wow Factor
The impact is twofold. First, there’s the immediate visual spectacle: a medieval tower transforming into a living, speaking giantess in front of thousands of spectators. It’s unexpected, magical, and breathtaking in scale. Second, there’s a deeper sense of wonder that follows: how is this possible? The installation delivers the kind of disbelief-turned-delight that defines the “wow” experience.
Unlike projection mapping or digital effects, this is tangible, physical movement on a monumental scale. Audiences know they are looking at real mechanics, yet the illusion of life is so strong it borders on sorcery, perfectly fitting for Morgane’s mythical character.
Pioneering Achievement
Leva’s approach required innovations in:
- Mechanical Design: Custom modules and actuators optimized for visual resolution, durability, and maintenance.
- Control Systems: A bespoke motion platform capable of real-time, synchronized control of 206 independent actuators.
- Artistic Integration: Sculptural form designed for emotional legibility from the audience’s perspective, fully integrated into the show’s narrative arc.
By giving a mythical character a physical, animated presence, the Morgane installation deepens audience immersion and elevates the spectacle.
