Donald of the Burthens.
This animation is a visual retelling of Lionide Fedorovich Massine’s ballet depiction of the forgotten Scottish folktale. 
Domhull Nan Cual or Donald of the Burthens, tells the tale of firewood carrier Donald. Unsatisfied with his occupation, Donald makes a deal with Death to become a doctor on the condition that the first time he cheats him, Death will get to keep Donald. However, Donald outsmarts Death at every turn with trickery.
I directed a team of animators to operate the hand whittled puppets with each costume hand-made and music composed using percussion instruments.
Character design for Death and the King, and final puppets.
