Storytelling Festival Launches 35th Anniversary Programme
We’re delighted to present this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival programme for the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Since 1989, the Festival has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future.
This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us. Amongst the Bridges Between programme highlights are:
- The Dream of Al-Andalus [Sat 19 Oct]: Be transported to Al-Andalus, a vibrant era of cultural diversity in mediaeval Spain, where the interplay of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish cultures sparked an artistic and intellectual renaissance. An evening of tales by storytellers Sef Townsend and Inés Álvarez Villa, enriched by the music of flamenco guitarist Danielo Olivera and Moroccan musician Omar Afif.
- The Desperate Battle of the Birds [Mon 21 Oct]: Scottish storyteller James MacDonald Reid and ScottishKorean musician Ryan Williams present a classic Gaelic folk tale, blending tradition with innovation. A story originally learned in his youth, James shares it as he heard it in the traditional manner, while Ryan responds by intertwining original pieces composed on live electric cello. An exciting new collaboration of styles! Performed in English, with Gaelic throughout.
- Òran Mhòir [Wed 23 Oct]: Òran Mhòir is a multimedia performance by storyteller Eileen Budd and experimental folk duo Burd Ellen exploring the Gaelic lore of the intertidal zone. Costume, film, field recording, folk song and electronic sound come together in a magical call and response.
- Jack and Beggar’s Island [Fri 25 Oct]: With the spark of divinity and the flaring forth of humanity, Jack begins his journey to forge the connection between Heaven and Earth. The most powerful freedom story of Scottish oral tradition is recreated by international storytellers Jimmy Williamson, Claire McNicol and Linda Williamson. Voices from Scotland, Ireland and America connect with the musical fusion of Toby Shippey and friends, as folk hero Jack helps the blind, the oppressed and the reprehensible king.
- A Wolf Shall Devour the Sun [Wed 30 Oct]: Respected by ancient cultures yet cast as archetypal villain in European fairy tales, wolves were hunted to extinction in Scotland and beyond. Weaving myth from the Celtic isles, Scandinavia and Siberia, storyteller Douglas Mackay takes a deep dive into the history of our troubled relations with our oldest ally, and musing on the impact its absence on our environment and our own psyche. Jemima Thewes provides shadow puppet animation and original, dreamlike soundscape.