Tahra Zafar

Tahra has worked in the field of creature and costume effects for film, television, live events and theatre, creating space costumes, aliens, animals and puppets. She frequently headed up departments for projects, including a long relationship with The Jim Henson Creature Shop. Freelance projects include, for film: Star Wars VII The Force Awakens, X Men-First Class, Kick Ass, Hell Boy 2, The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The Fifth Element. For television: In the Night Garden, Zingzillas, The Adventures of Abney and Teal and Mission 2110. For pop promos and tours: The Monster for Lady Gaga's Monster Tour, Eddie for Iron Maiden, Scissor Sisters at the Brit Awards and Blur's Coffee and TV. For commercials Tahra developed and made several memorable characters such as the ITV Digital Monkey and the Velux Windows, Bears and Toys. Tahra's background comes from live theatre. Her theatre design work includes: Eugene Onegin (English National Opera); La Boheme and Rigoletto (Mid Wales Opera); The Turn of the Screw (RCM); The Rake's Progress (Aldeburgh); The Marriage of Figaro and Falstaff (Opera Brava); La Wally (UCL Opera) and Roosters (The Bush Theatre). Tahra's career has taken her all over the world, designing and heading up costume departments on large scale events in Doha, Mauritius and Germany, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Most recently Tahra oversaw the completion of 23,000 costumes as part of her role of Head of Costume Hair and Make-up for the Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies staged in London, 2012. Up to the year 2000 Tahra worked under her maiden name of Kharibian.