OPEN WORD- OPEN WORLD - 20- 31 octoBer - Box office 0131 556 9579 - Scottish International Storytelling Festival
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OPEN WORD- OPEN WORLD scottish international storytelling festival 2017 20-31 October www.tracscotland.org Box office 0131 556 9579
Welcome
to the world’s finest feast
of traditional storytelling.
Open Word – Open World marks the 70th anniversary of Edinburgh as
a Festival City, with twelve days of storytelling events in Edinburgh and Joe Harawira
across Scotland. SISF goes global, demonstrating how the traditional art of
storytelling is more vital than ever in connecting people worldwide, across
cultures, places and generations.
Hosted by the storytellers of Scotland, artists from across the world gather
to guide us through the labyrinths of change and weave new narratives
for a re-imagined earth. In Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and
Archaeology, SISF makes an ancient artform vibrant in our human present.
We also host three days of open table discussion around the themes of
the Earth Charter at our Global Gathering. These are critical times for
our planet and the SISF invites us all to connect through our differences,
acknowledging where we are and where we want to go, together. If not
now, when?
Performance, workshops, talks and children’s events radiate out from
Kamini Ramachandran
Scotland’s capital offering a plethora of dreamscapes and myths celebrating
oral traditions and cultural diversity. The best of Scotland’s storytelling
talent merge with invited guests from Thailand, Australia, Iran, India, New
Zealand, Sub-Saharan Africa, Singapore, Korea, Pakistan, South America,
Eastern and Western Europe, China, Japan, England and Ireland.
Sustainability & Culture
Storytellers across the world bring a creative dimension to our
sense of the environment and the living connection between
natural ecology and sustainable culture. The SISF is committed
to a sustainable future, and to measuring and managing our
environmental impacts. Please enjoy our environmental events,
use public transport wherever possible, and use our recycling facilities.
The Festival Team
Jerker Fahlström
The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is organised by TRACS (Traditional Arts & Culture Scotland) which brings
together the Traditional Music Forum, the Scottish Storytelling Forum and the Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland
from its base at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Supported through Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo
Fund, Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Festivals Edinburgh, Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017,
Norwegian Consulate General, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, Edna Manley
College of the Visual and Performing Arts and K-Storytelling World Tour Project.
02. Box office: 0131 556 9579
About the programme
Our categories ensure your
storytelling experience Become a Supporter
is exactly what you’re
looking for, be it an evening Festival Storytelling Centre
gathering in jovial company Supporter, £20 Supporter, £30
expires on Wed 1 Nov 2017 expires after 1 year
soaking up stories, daytime
> Discounts on many SISF events > Discounts on many Storytelling
events for the whole family at the Storytelling Centre Centre events, including TradFest
to get involved with or > Discounts on Global Gathering & SISF
workshop sessions and talks on Wed 25, Thu 26 & Fri 27 > 10% discount in the Storytelling
so you can get creative. October Centre’s bookshop
How to book > 10% discount in the Storytelling
Centre’s bookshop, during SISF
> 10% discount in the Story Café
> Invites to special events
Most tickets can be booked by
> 10% discount in the Story Café, > A quarterly mailing of our What’s
phone, online or in person at the during SISF
Scottish Storytelling Centre’s On guide (by post if desired)
Box Office. Some partner venues > Invite to launch party on > Contribute to the work of the
and regional events have their own Fri 20 October Storytelling Centre
booking outlets as listed. > Contribute to the development
of SISF
+44 (0) 131 556 9579
www.tracscotland.org Look for the special PASS prices in the listings which look like this - £6
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us bring our work to
Free events at the National Library life, share it with the widest possible audience and keep our ticket prices
of Scotland will be bookable affordable. Our audience is essential in helping us to deliver high quality
from Wednesday 13 September on storytelling, music and dance events.
nls.uk/events or 0131 623 3734. With your help, we are able to do more and to do it better.
All information was correct at Call our team on
time of going to print. We apologise +44 (0)131 556 9579 to book your Supporter scheme for the year,
for any inconvenience if details or to discuss your Festival Supporter options.
have changed. For further enquiries email supporters@scottishstorytellingcentre.com
How to get here Scottish Storytelling Centre | 43-45 High Street | EH1 1SR
The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s award-
winning building is the hub of the Festival,
located half way down Edinburgh’s Royal EAST MARKET STREET
CRA
Mile, within easy walking distance of JEFFREY STREET
NST
ON
Princes Street and Waverley train station.
NOR
STR
The Scottish NGATE
EET
TH B
There is no parking directly outside the Storytelling Centre CANO
RIDG
Centre, but Lothian bus number 35 stops Edinburgh Castle Holyrood Palace
E
T
STREE
HIGH
outside our door, and there’s a taxi rank
ST M
just up the road.
ARY
BLA
’S ST
CKF
REE
> Fully accessible to wheelchair users
SOUTH
RIAR
T
S
STRE
BRID
> Hearing loop
ET
GE
> Braille signage throughout COWG
ATE
> Licensed Café and Storytelling Book Shop
www.tracscotland.org 03.
Festival Local Open Word – Open World The SISF local campaign invites all to explore how stories connect people worldwide – across cultures, languages, generations and places. Using spoken word, visual image or movement and dance, join us wherever you are and help bring our colourful contemporary and traditional culture to life. We invite you to explore Stories in Translation across languages and cultures, to discover the vibrant world of Travelling Stories and to play with Stories across Allison Galbraith the Senses. Traverse the ancient world of wonder tales and their global connections; unearth the old stories the Scottish Travellers passed down through the generations as a precious gift for the future and learn new stories that have found their way to Scotland in more recent times on the wings and voices of refugees. Through the sharing of stories we can celebrate and connect through our differences, acknowledging where we are and where we want to go together, as citizens of the world. Visit www.tracscotland.org or email info@tracscotland.org Family Samhuinn for further information and resources. Festival On Tour Coordinated by regional storytelling teams with the support of the SISF. Storytellers will visit Orkney, Sutherland, Findhorn, Aberdeen, Argyll, Islay, Bute, Mull, Dundee, Fife, Perthshire, Ayr, Duns, Kilbarchan and Glasgow to meet with local performers and audiences. See pages 23-29 for details Wajuppa Tossa 04. Box office: 0131 556 9579
Festival Exhibitions 12 – 22 October Bawialnia/ Playroom – Polish Design for Kids Summerhall, The Lower Church Gallery Mon – Sun: 11am – 6pm Free entry | All ages An immersive experience, allowing children to learn through play and engage in a variety of creative activity in one space. Playing with toys made of wood and other natural materials, imaginatively designed games and handmade objects will allow children to appreciate the beauty and quality that comes with craftsmanship. Reading books in a tent or on upcycled suitcases/sofas, making their own stamps, exploring Polish cuisine or designing their own puppets will make for a truly unforgettable experience. The exhibition combines leading designers for children from Poland with a new commission from Polish artists living in Scotland. Part of Kite and Trumpet: Festival of Polish Art. Until 12 November Enduring Eye: The Antarctic legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Frank Hurley National Library of Scotland Mon – Fri: 10am – 8pm | Sat: 10am – 5pm | Sun: 2 – 5pm Free entry | All ages One of the greatest ever photographic records of human survival, Enduring Eye honours the achievements of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the men of the 1914-1917 Endurance expedition. Shackleton’s official voyage photographer Frank Hurley saved the fragile photographic negatives, which documented the expedition, under the most extreme circumstances to provide a lasting record of the men of the Endurance and their story. The exhibition showcases Hurley’s images, alongside items from the Library’s polar collections. Researched, written and curated for the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) by Meredith Hooper, with Library collection items selected by Paula Williams. 19 – 31 October Lost Tales: Walking with Gods – Live Scottish Storytelling Centre Mon – Sat: 10am – 6pm, and before events Free entry | All ages Engage and experience aeons old stories in a completely new light. Multidisciplinary artist, writer and creator Travis De Vries’ works live at the Storytelling Centre as artist in residence. Get the chance to see how he produces a series of paintings that borrow and twist the tropes of mythology, graphic novels and traditional storytelling to reimagine the stories of Indigenous Australians. Echoing the studies of Joseph Campbell or the worlds of Neil Gaiman, allow these works to resonate deep in the psyche through our connection to myths and legends; exploring the clash of ideas between ancient, haunting tales and the contemporary western mythologies from Australia. www.tracscotland.org 05.
Opening
Weekend
Friday From Edinburgh’s a chocolate planet... but it’s open
for new inspirations. The stories
Pen to the World
20 October Departs from Mercat Cross,
which emerge from the mysterious
machine are told by the Pinokio
beside St Giles Cathedral
Theatre actors, accompanied
Walking Tour
Lost Tales Live 5pm (1hr 30) | Adult £13,
by music and live sounds. The
Scottish Storytelling Centre audience have a genuine influence
Concession £11, Child £8 | 5+
Live Storytelling on the course of events, so every
Edinburgh has inspired writers
5pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 performance is remarkable and
whose work is known and influence
Adults original. Presented in Polish and
is felt across the globe. Work that
Explore the undocumented side English by Pinokio Theatre in Łódź
includes desert islands, detectives
of our history through folk tales, and part of Kite and Trumpet:
and dissecting tables. Books that
urban legends, culture heroes and Festival of Polish Art.
altered Scottish identity and world
creatures, exposed in gripping www.northedinburgharts.co.uk
views. Words that shaped the
original tales. Spirits, gods and
future of economics and religious
demons from antiquity are dredged
beliefs. Texts which changed the Mobile Dreams
up as Travis De Vries journeys Scottish Storytelling Centre
world. Organised by Mercat Tours.
into the untold stories of Australia. Live Storytelling
www.mercattours.com
Drawing from a rich legacy of oral 6.30pm (1hr 45, with interval)
storytelling passed down through Please note: The tour visits the Old
£7.50 (£6) £5
his Gamilaroi heritage, enjoy a Town which can involve cobbled
Adults
tapestry of myths with live musical streets, slopes and stairs. The
A poetic, funny and warm
accompaniment and specially guide will always adapt the route
storytelling performance about
commissioned animations that to visitor’s needs.
the everlasting human search for
draw from the sacred myths and truth and connection, freedom
legends of Australia’s first peoples. The Storytelling and beauty. In a playful stream
In a clash of cultures some things Machine of English spiced with their
change and others are lost, but the by Pinokio Theatre in Łódź native tongues, three performers
stories live on. North Edinburgh Arts share a string of tales mythical
Live Storytelling and personal, all connected by
5pm (1hr) | £3 (£1.50) | 7+ the language of dreams. With
A scientist accidentally invents a storytellers Markus Luukkonen
machine which buzzes, creaks and (Finland), Torgrim Mellum
clatters, but most importantly tells Stene (Norway) and Tom
stories! On request, the machine Van Outryve (Belgium).
has told stories about a boy who
lived in a pocket, loud silence and
a girl’s journey to space looking for
06. Box office: 0131 556 9579
Saturday
21 October
From Regent Road
to Russia:
Globe-trotting around
New Calton
Burial Ground
Meet at the Regent Road
entrance to burial ground
Walking Tour
11am (45mins) | Free (ticketed)
Adults
Come travel the globe in New
Calton Burial Ground! Discover
Ailie Finlay
stories of how the world came to
Edinburgh and of the Scots who
made their mark on the world. from well-travelled studio holders emerge from the mysterious machine
Hear about the Scots engineer that mist across borders and sail are told by the Pinokio Theatre actors,
who built the Tsar’s imperial through time. The journey departs accompanied by music and live
dreams and the poet whose words from the waiting room on the 3rd sounds. The audience have a genuine
graced the walls of St Petersburg floor and will travel across 5 floors influence on the course of events,
Palace. On our journey, uncover of the amazing maze of studios at St so every performance is remarkable
tales of slavery and freedom, Margaret’s House. Departure times and original. Presented in Polish
love and loss, and friendship and on the hour (except 1pm), maximum and English by Pinokio Theatre in
enmity from travellers who share 10 passengers per journey. Łódź and part of Kite and Trumpet:
a common resting ground. The Please note: the journey will Festival of Polish Art.
tour will be fun and light-hearted include stairs but there is a lift
and will leave participants to draw and folding chairs will be available. Wee Folk Magic
their own conclusions on present The event is part of the Open Scottish Storytelling Centre
international links! Organised by Doors Weekend. & Museum of Childhood
the Friends of New Calton and Tickets and programme: Family Event
Edinburgh World Heritage. www.edinburghpalette.co.uk 2pm (2hrs 30) | £5 (£4) | 4+
Reserve tickets: Enter the enchanted world of fairy
graveyards@ewht.org.uk The Storytelling tales, full of mystery, malice and
Machine magic. With sessions for 4-6 years,
Stories from by Pinokio Theatre in Łódź 6-8 years and 9+ with accompanying
adults, through the afternoon.
Smokey Brae Scottish Storytelling Centre
Live Storytelling Unaccompanied adults are also
St Margaret’s House
1pm (1hr) | £8 (£6) £5 | 7+ welcome for a special grown-up
Walking Tour
A scientist accidentally invents a session. The event features a galaxy
11am (6hrs, each tour lasts 45mins)
machine which buzzes, creaks and of Scotland’s storytellers, steeped
Free (ticketed) | 8+
clatters, but most importantly tells in folk and fairy lore with options
Join intrepid storyteller Jan
stories! On request, the machine for participation and listening spells.
Bee Brown of The Thrive Archive
has told stories about a boy who With storytellers Ailie Finlay, Tom
for a journey around the world
lived in a pocket, loud silence and a Muir, Beth Cross, Daniel Allison,
in 45 minutes! Smokey Brae was
girl’s journey to space looking for a Robbie Fotheringham, Senga
once full of steam trains and Jan
chocolate planet... but it’s open for Munro, Sheila Kinninmonth and
has discovered a series of stories
new inspirations. The stories which Sylvia Troon.
www.tracscotland.org 07.
City of Stories; Mayhem and Magic – Sunday
City of Dreams Stories from Sweden
Riddle’s Court Scottish Storytelling Centre
22 October
Talk & Walking Tour Live Storytelling
2pm (1hr 30) | £6 (£4) | Adults 5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Storytellers, writers, poets and Adults The Enchanted Garden:
thinkers throughout history Once described as “a force Storytelling amongst
have taken Edinburgh as the of nature”, storyteller Jerker the Trees
inspiration. Join us as we talk Fahlström invites you to a Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
about the influence of the Old glittering world of the Viking Age Family Event
Town on our story makers and gods and heroes. With his brilliant 1pm (3hrs) | Free, drop-in | All ages
learn about the tales which helped ingenuity, tales are woven together Join storytellers at the Royal
build the world’s first UNESCO with pictures of the age – the Botanic Garden Edinburgh
City of Literature. After the panel clothes, weapons and life styles and treat yourself to a relaxed
discussion, we’ll be taking to the of the North. afternoon of stories for all the
streets as poet Ken Cockburn family. Meet at the Botanic Cottage
leads a walking tour and introduces 365 Days, Stories, Tunes and find the cosy spots where
some of the characters, words and Scottish Storytelling Centre stories are shared or let storytellers
stories built into the local area. Live Storytelling take you on story journeys into
Organised by Edinburgh UNESCO 6.30pm (1hr 10) | £7.50 (£6) £5 the beautiful surroundings, where
City of Literature. Adults nature glows with warm autumn
Tickets: www.cityofliterature.com Throughout 2013, James colours.
Robertson wrote a daily story,
From Edinburgh’s each exactly 365 words long. In Mixing the Magic:
Pen to the World 2016-17, Aidan O’Rourke wrote Polish Folktales
Departs from Mercat Cross, a daily tune in response to the Scottish Storytelling Centre
beside St Giles Cathedral stories, collaborating on some of Workshop
Walking Tour them with harmonium player Kit 1pm (1hr 10) | £5 | 5+
5pm (1hr 30) | Adult £13, Downes. Together, the trio present Storyteller and folklorist Michał
Concession £11, Child £8 | 5+ a calendar of words and music for Malinowski hosts this rich
Edinburgh has inspired writers a magical journey into imagination. introduction to Polish oral
whose work is known and influence tradition. Showcasing the vivid and
is felt across the globe. Work that Open Hearth interactive telling style, spectators
includes desert islands, detectives Scottish Storytelling Centre can discover a rich brew of Polish
and dissecting tables. Books that Live Storytelling tales and folklore, traversing local
altered Scottish identity and world 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6 legends, animal fables, religious
views. Words that shaped the Adults tales, fairy tales and ghost stories.
future of economics and religious Storytellers and musicians gather Part of Kite and Trumpet: Festival
beliefs. Texts which changed the round the hearth for a relaxed of Polish Art.
world. Organised by Mercat Tours. traditional session of stories from
www.mercattours.com home and abroad, as the darkness
Please note: The tour visits the Old closes in and the embers glow
Town which can involve cobbled with pictures in the fire. Hosted by
streets, slopes and stairs. The Festival Director Donald Smith,
guide will always adapt the route with James Robertson, Tom Muir,
to visitor’s needs. Aidan O’Rourke and Kit Downes.
The perfect way to end your day.
08. Box office: 0131 556 9579
Undersea and
Overland – Stories
from Korea
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Live Storytelling
3pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Adults
Storyteller Seung-Ah Kim
collected a treasure of Korean folk
tales from her grandmother and
has brought them to Scotland to
share. Join her in an enchanted
afternoon of traditional stories
from the Far East.
St Magnus of Orkney –
900 Years
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Live Storytelling
3.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Adults
Storyteller Tom Muir tells the great
Orkney saga of Magnus, the earl
who made peace, and paid with
his life, nine hundred years ago.
Since then the legend of Magnus
has gone round the world and the
Cathedral of Magnus in Kirkwall is
a pledge of peace from northern
Deepa Kiran
past to global future.
Through the Forest – Under Ancient Skies – Open Hearth
Stories from Thailand Stories from Iran Scottish Storytelling Centre
Scottish Storytelling Centre Scottish Storytelling Centre Live Storytelling
Live Storytelling Live Storytelling 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6
5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Adults
Adults Adults Storytellers and musicians
Originally from the region of Isan, Your evening will be lit by hundreds gather round the hearth for a
in northeast Thailand, storyteller of dazzling stars as ancient Persian relaxed traditional session of
Wajuppa Tossa will guide you stories unfold under the fine stories from home and abroad,
through a rich forest of Thai myths craftmanship of master storyteller as the darkness closes in and the
and legends, where you can pick Nosratollah Goodarzi and embers glow with pictures in the
up some words of Lao – the local bilingual support storyteller fire. Hosted by storyteller Marion
language – along the way. Elnaz Sabet, accompanied by Kenny, with guest storytellers
traditional music. Nosratollah Goodarzi and Elnaz
Sabet from Iran and Deepa Kiran
from India. The perfect way to
end your day.
www.tracscotland.org 09.
Festival
Week
Monday 23 October Tales for Sale
National Library of Scotland
Live Storytelling
11am (1hr) | Free (ticketed) | 6+ and
Education Day adults
Storytelling in Schools: Beyond Performance Edinburgh’s renowned duo
Scottish Storytelling Centre Macastory set up their stall to deal
Workshop in tales of adventure, true crime,
10.30am (2hrs) | £12 (£10) £9 | Adults derring-do and love. Raiding the
The Village Storytelling Centre has an excellent track record cellars of the National Library of
of delivering projects in school settings, from whole school Scotland, Ron and Fergus offer
projects to working with a single class over several weeks or the pick of chapbooks, broadsides
delivering programmes to targeted groups of children and their and scandal sheets – LIVE. Re-live
parents. This practical workshop will explore the various ways that an age when people queued to buy
storytelling can support learning in a school context, going beyond the latest tale before its ink was
performance to concrete examples of interactive techniques even dry.
that can be delivered over time. We will also consider how, as
storytellers, we can work alongside other education professionals Dancing with Trees
to support pupils to raise their attainment, aspirations and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
confidence. With storyteller Joanne Marr. Live Storytelling
2pm (1hr 30) | Free (ticketed) | 12+
Gifting Every Child Storytellers Alette Willis and
National Library of Scotland Allison Galbraith guide you
Workshop through the Royal Botanic Garden
1.30pm (2hrs) | £12 (£10) | Adults Edinburgh, sharing stories from
What is the role of culture in contemporary education from the their recently published collection
early years? This session explores some Scottish and international of Eco-tales. An outside event,
approaches. With presentations from Scotland, New Zealand and visiting some of the beautiful
Singapore, it explores creative use of local and migrant cultural botanical niches. If weather is
resources. The event includes an introduction to the National bad, the session will take place
Library of Scotland’s Wee Windaes project by Alice Heywood, in the historical Botanic Cottage.
Learning & Outreach Officer, and to the Gifting Every Child project Reserve tickets:
by TRACS. With Bea Ferguson, Kamini Ramachandran, www.thebotanics.eventbrite.co.uk
Joe Harawira, Wajuppa Tossa and Stina Fagertun.
10. Box office: 0131 556 9579Aotearoa – Stories Tuesday The Truth & the
from New Zealand Three Rings
Scottish Storytelling Centre
24 October Italian Cultural Institute Edinburgh
Live Storytelling Workshop
5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5 6pm (2hrs) | Free | Adults
Adults Scotland meets India: What is the truth and can someone
Experience the rich traditions of An Auld Acquaintance pretend to hold it exclusively? While
New Zealand’s Land of Cloud and National Library of Scotland religious tensions increase, traditional
Dawn, with Māori storyteller Joe Live Storytelling stories from the Arabic, Christian
Harawira. The first nation peoples 2pm (1hr) | Free (ticketed) | Adults and Jewish religions highlight the
of Aotearoa are a dynamic part of Join Deepa Kiran from India and connections between the three
the nation’s contemporary culture Marion Kenny from Scotland for main monotheisms. With Giovanna
and education. a spellbinding performance of Conforto and Enrico Bertoni.
music and stories, celebrating the www.iicedimburgo.esteri.it
Northern Lights – long-standing friendship between
the two countries and to mark the
Stories from Norway The Alan Bruford Lecture
UK-India Year of Culture 2017.
Scottish Storytelling Centre A Night in the Fairy Brugh:
Live Storytelling Music & Dance through the Lens
6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Istria Inspires – of Gaelic Storytelling
Adults Stories from Croatia Scottish Storytelling Centre
Enjoy a cosy evening with Scottish Storytelling Centre Talks & Lectures
storyteller Stina Fagertun. With Live Storytelling 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 | Adults
her Norwegian, Kven and Coastal 2.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 While Gaelic music and dance
Sami ancestry she will share fairy Adults practices are rich and reasonably
tales and legends from the edge of The heritage and landscapes of well-documented, few writers on
the Arctic Circle. Northern Lights this beautiful country in the North these subjects have proceeded
have never been so colourful! East of the Mediterranean Sea from the culture’s own vantage
are brought to life by the young point. Dr Uilleam Lamb considers
Open Hearth storytellers of the Istra Inspirit what we can we learn about the
Scottish Storytelling Centre group. Be transported by their Gaels’ traditional music and dance
Live Storytelling stories and get to know more about through their intergenerational tales,
8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6 | Adults the region of Istria. drawing together sundry threads
Storytellers and musicians gather from Dr Alan Bruford’s substantial
round the hearth for a relaxed Scotland meets contribution to Scottish Ethnology,
traditional session of stories from Hungary: Romany & providing a refreshing angle to a
famous facet of Gaelic culture.
home and abroad, as the darkness Travellers
closes in and the embers glow Scottish Storytelling Centre
with pictures in the fire. Hosted Live Storytelling Precious Legacies:
by storyteller David Campbell, 5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Remembering the
with guest storytellers Stina Adults Ancestors
Fagertun from Norway, Jerker Jess Smith and Maja Bumberák Scottish Storytelling Centre
Fahlström from Sweden and Joe explore connections between Live Storytelling
Harawira from New Zealand, with Europe’s nomadic peoples. Often 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6 | Adults
music contributions by James described as “gypsies”, these Margaret Bennett, Ruth
MacDonald Reid. The perfect way distinct groups are known for their Kirkpatrick, David Campbell
to end your day. rich oral cultures and the harsh and Jess Smith celebrate their
prejudice they experience to the rich inheritance from iconic
present day. mentors and forebears. By
honouring the past, we give to
the future. A night to remember.
www.tracscotland.org 11.Wednesday When Education by biologists as the “Everglades
of the North”. Eight storytellers,
Becomes Possible:
25 October Stories of Life & Learning
from Dundee to Quebec, give their
accounts... but are they true or false?
University of Edinburgh Directed by André Desrochers.
Global Gathering – Chaplaincy Centre
Conference
‘If Not Now, When?’ 11.30am (4hrs 30) | Free, drop-in
Where Snakes Can Sing
Dovecot Studios
Adults – Stories from Poland
International Conference & Scottish Storytelling Centre
Imagine what happens when we
Workshops Live Storytelling
are cut off from education through
10.30am (6hrs) | £16 (£14) £12 5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5
conflict, natural disaster or
Adults Adults
disadvantaged circumstances. How
What is the role of storytellers Enjoy an afternoon with storyteller
does your education begin again
in the twenty-first century Małgorzata Litwinowicz and be
and what difference does it make
and how can we realise the transported to the magical world
to individuals and communities,
principles and goals of The of traditional Polish stories and
schools and universities? These are
Earth Charter Initiative? songs, where trees can talk and
the big questions we’re immersing
Over three days we take to snakes can sing. Your tea time has
ourselves in through story, life
heart the three questions never been so enthralling!
experiences and pictorial exhibits.
asked by Immanuel Kant:
What can I know? What Scotland meets Pakistan:
should I do? What may I hope? The Missing Lynx
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Islands to Cities
Live Storytelling Scottish Storytelling Centre
The Gathering will be
2pm (1hr 30) | Free (ticketed) Live Storytelling
supported by Stories in
All ages 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Place, a digital resource for
Wolves, bears and lynx once Adults
mapping and celebrating
roamed the hills and forests of A collaboration between Pakistani
narratives of place and local
Scotland. Is it time for them to singer Sara Kazmi and Scotland
identity across the globe.
return? Join storyteller Daniel based musician Sarah Hayes flows
Each day will have keynote
Allison and musician Lally O’Keeffe into an exchange between Pakistani
stories, talks, discussions and
to explore the hot topic of rewilding poet Shazea Quraishi and Scottish
workshops, culminating in
and hear stories told about the storyteller Ian Stephen. Enjoy a
plenary celebration on Friday
debated animals by cultures from all unique journey in music, song,
27 October.
around the world. Reserve tickets: story and poetry from the Isle of
www.thebotanics.eventbrite.co.uk Lewis to Lahore.
Day 1 – Storytelling
for Nature Tales of the Open Hearth
The first day of the gathering Scottish Storytelling Centre
will focus on the themes of Quebec Wetlands
Scottish Storytelling Centre Live Storytelling
Living Creatively with Nature; 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6
Sustainability; Ecology Film Screening
2.30pm (1hr 20) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Adults
and Culture; Mapping, Storytellers and musicians gather
Connecting and Guiding. Adults
200-year-old Scottish-French round the hearth for a relaxed
With contributions from Joe traditional session of stories
Harawira, Mirian Vilela of Canadian legends and Mohawk first
nation oral traditions are revealed from home and abroad. Hosted
the Earth Charter, Malcolm by Ian Stephen, with Pakistan’s
Green, Alette Willis, for the first time in this storytelling
feature film. The rich history and Shazea Quraishi and Sara Kazmi,
Georgiana Keable, Bernard storyteller Peter Chand and music
Anson, and storyteller ecological bounty of the Lake St
Francis National Wildlife Area is an by Sarah Hayes. The perfect way
Alexander Mackenzie. to end your day.
internationally protected site known
12. Box office: 0131 556 9579Thursday The Natural Storyteller
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
26 October Live Storytelling
2pm (1hr 30) | Free (ticketed)
All ages
Global Gathering – The Natural Storyteller inspires
‘If Not Now, When?’ children and adults to tell tales
Dovecot Studios from Norway and many other
International Conference lands. Let book author and
& Workshops storyteller Georgiana Keable
10.30am (6hrs) | £16 (£14) £12 guide you through fairy tales from
Adults the forest and true tales of sea,
What is the role of storytellers earth and sky. Shared at bedtime
in the twenty-first century or around the campfire under the
and how can we realise the stars, these tales inspire wonder
principles and goals of The and service for Mother Earth.
Earth Charter Initiative? Reserve tickets: www.thebotanics.
Over three days we take to eventbrite.co.uk.
heart the three questions Linda Williamson
asked by Immanuel Kant: People of the North –
What can I know? What Mio Shapley and Linda Williamson
should I do? What may I hope?
Stories from Russia
Scottish Storytelling Centre for a night in Star Land.
Film Screening
The Gathering will be Healing the Soul -
2.30pm (1hr 40) | £7.50 (£6) £5
supported by Stories in
Place, a digital resource for
Adults Stories from Peru
Northern Russia is a rich tapestry Scottish Storytelling Centre
mapping and celebrating
of cultural diversity and ethnic Live Storytelling
narratives of place and local
traditions. Marina Yuzhaninova, 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
identity across the globe.
Director of the Northern Travelling Adults
Each day will have keynote
Film Festival, introduces two The myths and legends of the
stories, talks, discussions and
classic films by Andrei Golovnev Peruvian landscape come again to
workshops, culminating in
evoking the landscape, culture and Scotland through the captivating,
plenary celebration on Friday
storytelling of the remote north. heart-warming storytelling of
27 October.
Presented in association with The Wayqui (Brother) César Villegas
Consul General of the Russian Astete and the bilingual support of
Day 2 - Storytelling Federation in Scotland. storyteller Laura Escuela from the
for Peace and Canary Islands.
Justice World of the Bear
The second day of the Scottish Storytelling Centre Open Hearth
gathering will focus on Live Storytelling Scottish Storytelling Centre
the themes of Conflict 5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Live Storytelling
Resolution; Citizenship Adults 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6
Awareness, Education and The kinship of bears and humans Adults
Action; Equalities; Health has been running through world Enjoy a traditional story session
and Wellbeing; Migration and mythology since the Ice Age. The hosted by storytellers from the
Asylum. With contributions seven stars of Ursa Major symbolise European Storytelling and Peace
from Amina Blackwood, the North, begetting stories of Council. Gather round the hearth
Wajuppa Tossa, Maimouna hunters, sages and blood brothers to hear stories of bridge builders
Jallow, Liz Weir and Peter which have spellbound listeners for across the world. The perfect way
Chand. 50,000 years. Join storytellers to end your day.
www.tracscotland.org 13.Friday Tales from the From Edinburgh’s
New World Pen to the World
27 October National Library of Scotland Departs from Mercat Cross,
Live Storytelling besides St Giles Cathedral
2pm (1hr) | Free (ticketed) | Adults Walking Tour
Global Gathering – Join storyteller Mara Menzies 5pm (1hr 30) | Adult £13,
‘If Not Now, When?’ as she shares her experiences Concession £11, Child £8 | 5+
Dovecot Studios and new-found stories gathered Edinburgh has inspired writers
International Conference & from extraordinary characters whose work is known and influence
Workshops at festivals across Cuba, Utah is felt across the globe. Work that
10.30am (6hrs) | £16 (£14) £12 and California. Tales from the includes desert islands, detectives
Adults indigenous peoples, stories that and dissecting tables. Books that
What is the role of storytellers have sailed across oceans and altered Scottish identity and world
in the twenty-first century stories created as the settlers views. Words that shaped the
and how can we realise the arrived. A rich selection of tales future of economics and religious
principles and goals of The that will sweep you across beliefs. Texts which changed the
Earth Charter Initiative? the waters to a new world of world. Organised by Mercat Tours.
Over three days we take to adventure, heroism, exploration www.mercattours.com
heart the three questions and magic. Please note: The tour visits the Old
asked by Immanuel Kant:
Town which can involve cobbled
What can I know? What
October 1943 – streets, slopes and stairs. The
should I do? What may I hope?
The Rescue guide will always adapt the route
Scottish Storytelling Centre to visitor’s needs.
The Gathering will be
supported by Stories in Live Storytelling
Place, a digital resource for 2.30pm (1hr 45, with interval) Tongue Tied &
mapping and celebrating £7.50 (£6) £5 | Adults Twisted – Indian Tales;
One of the most successful
narratives of place and local
actions against Nazi Germany’s
Contemporary Twist
identity across the globe. Scottish Storytelling Centre
Each day will have keynote extermination of Jewish people
Live Storytelling
stories, talks, discussions and took place in Denmark in October
5.30pm (1hr 45, with interval)
workshops, culminating in 1943. More than 7000 Danish Jews
£7.50 (£6) £5 | Adults
plenary celebration on Friday were sailed to safety in Sweden
Indian storytelling for the 21st
27 October. – hidden in fishing boats and
century combines the talents of
small ships. As a result, 98.5% of
UK music producer PKCtheFirst
the Danish Jews survived World
Day 3 - Storytelling War II. With life-affirming Jewish
with international storyteller Peter
for Hope Chand. Experience two distinctive
music, Klezmerduo tells the story
The third and final day of the artists bring a fresh UK twist on
of Danish Jews, on their escape
gathering will focus on the traditional tales collected from
to Sweden, and the story of the
themes of Creative Learning; South Asian elders, celebrating the
many Danes who had the will
Myths, Metaphors and Dreams; art of live storytelling while fusing a
and courage to help their fellow
Imagining, Sharing and Telling; unique blend of Urban Hip Hop and
citizens, in the hour of greatest
Celebration and Joy. With classical South Asian sounds for a
danger. With Ann-Mai-Britt Fjord
contributions from Grian unique audience experience which
and Henrik Bredholt.
Cutanda, Ana Maria Lines, bridges cultures and generations.
Jean Edmiston, Wayqui
César Villegas Astete,
Giovanna Conforto, George
Macpherson, Travis De Vries,
and the Be United project.
14. Box office: 0131 556 9579Mara Menzies
A Cabaret of Pestilence Festival Guid Crack - Open Hearth
Surgeons’ Hall Museums When Worlds Collide Scottish Storytelling Centre
Multi-artform The Fig Tree Bistro Live Storytelling
7pm (1hr 10) | £9 (£6.50) | 12+ Club Event 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6
This multi-disciplinary showcase 7.30pm (2hrs 30) | By donation (£5) Adults
is the culmination of the Heritage Adults Storytellers and musicians gather
Lottery Funded project Soutra: Join Edinburgh’s renowned round the hearth for a relaxed
Surgery & Superstition. The storytelling club. The veil between traditional session of stories from
project is inspired by local history the worlds grows thin at Samhuinn home and abroad, as the darkness
related to Soutra, the Scottish and Beltane, dawn and dusk. As closes in and the embers glow
medieval monastic hospital, early Halloween approaches we invite with pictures in the fire. Hosted
surgery, medieval communities you to share your stories of the by storyteller Mara Menzies,
and superstition in Scotland. strange and wonderful things that with Global Gathering storytellers
Tickets and information: happen when two worlds come Wayqui César Villegas Astete
www.museum.rcsed.ac.uk together. Hosted by storyteller and Laura Escuela from Peru and
Daniel Allison. Spain, Liz Weir from Northern
Ireland and Wajuppa Tossa from
Thailand. The perfect way to end
your day.
www.tracscotland.org 15.Festival Diary Time Event Venue Page Friday 20 October 5pm Lost Tales Live SSC 06 5pm From Edinburgh’s Pen to the World Departs from Mercat Cross 06 5pm The Storytelling Machine North Edinburgh Arts 06 6.30pm Mobile Dreams SSC 06 Saturday 21 October 11am From Regent Road to Russia Burial Ground 07 11am Stories from Smokey Brae St Margaret’s House 07 1pm The Storytelling Machine SSC 07 2pm Wee Folk Magic SSC & Museum of Childhood 07 2pm City of Stories; City of Dreams Riddle’s Court 08 5pm From Edinburgh’s Pen to the World Departs from Mercat Cross 08 5pm Mayhem and Magic – Stories from Sweden SSC 08 6.30pm 365 Days, Stories, Tunes SSC 08 8pm Open Hearth SSC 08 Sunday 22 October 1pm The Enchanted Garden RBGE 08 1pm Mixing the Magic: Polish Folktales SSC 08 3pm Undersea and Overland – Stories from Korea SSC 09 3.30pm St Magnus of Orkney – 900 Years SSC 09 5pm Through the Forest – Stories from Thailand SSC 09 6.30pm Under Ancient Skies – Stories from Iran SSC 09 8pm Open Hearth SSC 09 Monday 23 October 10.30am Storytelling in Schools: Beyond Performance SSC 10 11am Tales for Sale NLS 10 1.30pm Gifting Every Child NLS 10 2pm Dancing with Trees RBGE 10 5pm Aotearoa – Stories from New Zealand SSC 11 6.30pm Northern Lights - Stories from Norway SSC 11 8pm Open Hearth SSC 11 Tuesday 24 October 2pm Scotland meets India: An Auld Acquaintance NLS 11 2.30pm Istria Inspires – Stories from Croatia SSC 11 5pm Scotland meets Hungary: Romany & Travellers SSC 11 6pm The Truth & the Three Rings Italian Cultural Institute Edinburgh 11 6.30pm The Alan Bruford Lecture SSC 11 8pm Precious Legacies: Remembering the Ancestors SSC 11 Wednesday 25 October 10.30am Global Gathering – ‘If Not Now, When?’ Dovecot Studios 12 11.30am When Education Becomes Possible University of Edinburgh 12 2pm The Missing Lynx RBGE 12 2.30pm Tales of the Quebec Wetlands SSC 12 5pm Where Snakes Can Sing - Stories from Poland SSC 12 6.30pm Scotland meets Pakistan: Islands to Cities SSC 12 8pm Open Hearth SSC 12 16.
Venue Key For Festival on Tour listings see details on page 23-29
SSC Scottish Storytelling Centre
NLS National Library of Scotland
RBGE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh www.tracscotland.org
Time Event Venue Page
Thursday 26 October
10.30am Global Gathering – ‘If Not Now, When?’ Dovecot Studios 13
2pm The Natural Storyteller RBGE 13
2.30pm People of the North - Stories from Russia SSC 13
5pm World of the Bear SSC 13
6.30pm Healing the Soul - Stories from Peru SSC 13
8pm Open Hearth SSC 13
Friday 27 October
10.30am Global Gathering – ‘If Not Now, When?’ Dovecot Studios 14
2pm Tales from the New World NLS 14
2.30pm October 1943 – The Rescue SSC 14
5pm From Edinburgh’s Pen to the World Departs from Mercat Cross 14
5.30pm Tongue Tied & Twisted SSC 14
7pm A Cabaret of Pestilence Surgeons’ Hall Museums 15
7.30pm Festival Guid Crack - When Worlds Collide The Fig Tree Bistro 15
8pm Open Hearth SSC 15
Saturday 28 October
10am Spooky Lauriston Lauriston Castle 18
11am Spinning a Yarn Dovecot Studios 18
1.30pm Guisers Galore SSC & Museum of Edinburgh 18
2.30pm Weaving Stories from the World Nomads Tent 18
3pm Champions Tale – A South African Story SSC 18
5pm From Edinburgh’s Pen to the World Departs from Mercat Cross 18
5pm Reflecting Fridas SSC 19
6.30pm The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives SSC 19
7pm A Cabaret of Pestilence Surgeons’ Hall Museums 19
8pm Open Hearth SSC 19
Sunday 29 October
10am Spooky Lauriston Lauriston Castle 20
12pm Family Samhuinn SSC 20
1.30pm Rainbow on Leith Leith Community Croft 20
5pm Journey to the West - Stories from China SSC 20
6.30pm Moon Shadow - Stories from Singapore & Malaysia SSC 20
7pm A Cabaret of Pestilence Surgeons’ Hall Museums 21
8pm Open Hearth SSC 21
Monday 30 October
2pm To Absent Friends SSC 21
Tuesday 31 October
10am The Devil and the Clutch of Fools SSC 21
7pm Ossian Supper SSC 22
9pm Samhuinn Fire Festival Edinburgh Old Town 22
Tuesday 7 November
7pm To Absent Friends: Community Supper Broughton St Mary’s Church Hall 21
17.Finale
Weekend
available. Also part of Luminate
Saturday Festival. Reserve tickets:
Champions Tale –
A South African Story
28 October www.dovecotstudios.com/
Scottish Storytelling Centre
programme
Dance & Story performance
3pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Spooky Lauriston Guisers Galore Adults
Lauriston Castle Scottish Storytelling Centre & An invigorating show with
Family Event Museum of Edinburgh performance art, dance and
10am (3hrs) | £7 | All ages Family Event interactive discussion. It tells the
Have a ghoulishly terrifying time 1.30pm (2hrs 30) | £5 (£4) | 5+ story of one young man growing
at Lauriston’s annual Halloween What’s Guising? Come along and up in rural South Africa – a story of
event. Experience a variety of learn a song, a poem and a dance secrecy, lies, confusion and hope.
gruesome activities over 3 hours, for real Halloween guising, then Journey with Tinkler to the heart
and remember to wear your most follow the Old Town Guisers of a South African township and
terrifying costume. N.B: this is not parade or prepare for guising in connect with his personal story;
a drop-in session but a structured your local area. Rehearsals at learn what dance means to him
session lasting the full duration. Scottish Storytelling Centre then and his community. Champions
Tickets: Usher Hall - 0131 228 1155 performances at Museum of Tale allows the lines between
Edinburgh at 3pm & 3.30pm. audiences and performers to
Spinning a Yarn Bring your own costume or mask. become blurred and real learning
Dovecot Studios Not suitable for children under 5. to occur. Discover South African
Live Storytelling All children must be accompanied. joys, traditions and social norms,
11am (1hr) | Free (ticketed) | All ages and experience the dreams of a
Storyteller Jan Bee Brown will be Weaving Stories new generation of young South
sharing stories from around the from the World Africans. Co-produced by BE
world inspired by the Daughters Nomads Tent United and The Champions.
of Penelope exhibition, with a Live Storytelling
spinning demonstration by the 2.30pm (1hr 30) | £6 | Adults From Edinburgh’s
Broughton Spinners. From sewing
nettle shirts for seven swans to an
Join storytellers and musicians Pen to the World
Deepa Kiran from India and Departs from Mercat Cross,
eight legged spidery curse passed Marion Kenny from Scotland in
down the generations, come and besides St Giles Cathedral
the sumptuous surroundings of Walking Tour
hear Jan weave her stories of the Nomads Tent as they share
sleeping princesses and tricky 5pm (1hr 30) | Adult £13,
spellbinding myths and legends Concession £11, Child £8 | 5+
tricksters, then join in and make celebrating the ancient art of
a spider diagram to help you tell Edinburgh has inspired writers
weaving. Tickets: 0131 662 1612 whose work is known and influence
your own spooky stories just in www.nomadstent.co.uk/events
time for Halloween! Hearing loop is felt across the globe. Work that
includes desert islands, detectives
18. Box office: 0131 556 9579Maimouna Jallow
and dissecting tables. Books that The Secret Lives of A Cabaret of Pestilence
altered Scottish identity and world
views. Words that shaped the
Baba Segi’s Wives - Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Stories from Africa Multi-artform
future of economics and religious 7pm (1hr 10) | £9 (£6.50) | 12+
beliefs. Texts which changed the Scottish Storytelling Centre
Live Storytelling This multi-disciplinary showcase
world. Organised by Mercat Tours. is the culmination of the Heritage
www.mercattours.com 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
Adults 16+ Lottery Funded project Soutra:
Please note: The tour visits the Old Inspired by Nigerian writer Lola Surgery & Superstition. The
Town which can involve cobbled Shoneyin’s novel, The Secret project is inspired by local history
streets, slopes and stairs. The Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is an related to Soutra, the Scottish
guide will always adapt the route endearing and powerful tale of medieval monastic hospital, early
to visitor’s needs. deception, betrayal, love and surgery, medieval communities
friendship. It chronicles the life of and superstition in Scotland.
Reflecting Fridas Baba Segi, the ultimate patriarch, Tickets and information:
Scottish Storytelling Centre as he tries to unravel the mystery www.museum.rcsed.ac.uk
Live Storytelling behind his fourth wife’s infertility.
5pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Through his quest, we explore the Open Hearth
Adults burdens that society places on Scottish Storytelling Centre
The life and work of the Mexican women and the cunning ways Live Storytelling
artist Frida Kahlo inspires this these women escape from the 8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6 | Adults
show, created and performed by confines of poverty and patriarchy. Storytellers and musicians gather
Brazilian storyteller Ana Maria Be ready to laugh, cry and connect round the hearth for a relaxed
Lines. Frida’s soul echoes in many with five amazing characters, traditional session of stories from
of us. Frida’s diversities, love, all performed by storyteller home and abroad, as the darkness
injuries and suffering were the Maimouna Jallow. closes in and the embers glow
subject for her work. A unique life, with pictures in the fire. Hosted
an exceptional woman. by storyteller Michael Kerins,
with guest storytellers Maimouna
Jallow from Gambia-Kenya and
Ana Maria Lines from Brazil.
The perfect way to end your day.
www.tracscotland.org 19.Sunday
29 October
Spooky Lauriston
Lauriston Castle
Family Event
10am (3hrs) | £7 | All ages
Have a ghoulishly terrifying time
at Lauriston’s annual Halloween
event. Experience a variety of
gruesome activities over 3 hours,
and remember to wear your most
terrifying costume. N.B: this is not
a drop-in session but a structured
session lasting the full duration.
Tickets: Usher Hall – 0131 228 1155
Family Samhuinn
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Family Event
12pm (3hrs) | £2 | 3-12 years
In the Celtic calendar, the
traditional festival of Samhuinn is
a time when the veil between the
land of the living and the departed
is thinnest. Enjoy an afternoon of
stories, drama games and songs, Fong Liu
making Samhuinn memorable and
celebrating with us.
Journey to the West – Moon Shadow -
Rainbow on Leith Stories from China Stories from Singapore
Leith Community Croft, St James Scottish Storytelling Centre & Malaysia
Church Hall and Trinity House Live Storytelling Scottish Storytelling Centre
Family Event 5pm (50mins) | £7.50 (£6) £5 Live Storytelling
1.30pm (2hrs 30) | Free Adults 6.30pm (1hr) | £7.50 (£6) £5
All ages Storyteller Ma Wei has undertaken Adults
Explore the past and present of a long Journey to the West to Originally from Malaysia and now
Leith’s diverse, vibrant culture with share stories from one of the in Singapore, storyteller Kamini
food, stories, music and dance. masterpieces of Chinese literature. Ramachandran takes your
From seasonal celebration on the Together with Scotland based imagination to special places with
community croft at the west end Chinese storyteller and bilingual her enchanting telling. Follow her
of Leith to visiting Leith’s historic support Fong Liu, they will magic weave as jungle spirits are
seagoing HQ on the Kirkgate... introduce you to Monkey and evoked and the supernatural is
so much to discover and enjoy. other characters. Ma Wei is the revealed under the unearthly light
present-day successor of the of the moon.
Yangzhou PinHua – storytelling in
the Yangzhou dialect.
20. Box office: 0131 556 9579A Cabaret of Pestilence
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Monday own pre-prepared contributions
of poetry, stories, songs or
Multi-artform 30 October photographs. Dedicate your meal
7pm (1hr 10) | £9 (£6.50) | 12+ to one person, or to the memory
This multi-disciplinary showcase of many. The evening will be
is the culmination of the Heritage To Absent Friends interspersed with entertainment
Lottery Funded project Soutra: Suppers of Storytelling from local artists, reflecting on
Surgery & Superstition. The and Remembrance loss through music, poetry and
project is inspired by local history Scottish Storytelling Centre storytelling. Tickets and information:
related to Soutra, the Scottish Workshop www.toabsentfriends.org.uk
medieval monastic hospital, early 2pm (2hrs 30) | £8 (£6) £5
surgery, medieval communities Adults
People who have died remain a part
Tuesday
and superstition in Scotland.
Tickets and information: of our lives – their stories are our 31 October
www.museum.rcsed.ac.uk stories, yet many Scottish traditions
relating to the expression of loss and
remembrance have faded over time. The Devil and the
Open Hearth Clutch of Fools
The supper approach is a modern
Scottish Storytelling Centre
take on a timeless concept, getting A spontaneous Marathon
Live Storytelling
together over food to remember of Halloween Storytelling
8pm (2hrs) | £9 (£7.50) £6
people who have died. The suppers Scottish Storytelling Centre
Adults
are an excuse to tell stories, to Live Storytelling
Storytellers and musicians gather
celebrate and to reminisce, because 10am (12hrs) | Free
round the hearth for a relaxed
people live on in the memories and Children up to 10 (10am-12pm),
traditional session of stories from
stories we share. Led by the founders Young Adults 11-16 (12pm – 2pm),
home and abroad, as the darkness
of the To Absent Friends Festival Adults (2pm onwards to late)
closes in and the embers glow with
and in partnership with SISF, this You know who you are… this
pictures in the fire. The perfect
participative workshop will explore event is a culmination of our
way to end your day. Hosted by
the To Absent Friends Supper as a global storytelling festival for
storyteller George Macpherson,
means of recreating an evocative you to join in with a story of your
with guest storytellers Kamini
opportunity for remembrance in telling, whoever you are! Young or
Ramachandran from Singapore-
the Scottish tradition. old, grimy or beautiful, we all go
Malaysia and Ma Wei and Fong Liu
into Halloween with a certain
from China. As a follow-up to the workshop, sense of foreboding. It is a time
attendees have the option of when the veil between light and
booking in advance for the dark invites the unholy to be
following event: blessed and the innocent to
Tuesday 7 November be drowned. This marathon
storytelling event brings
To Absent Friends: storytellers from different nations
Community Supper together with local people in
Broughton St Mary’s Church Hall a storytelling extravaganza, to
Storytelling Supper face off against the demons of
7pm (3hrs) | £5 | Adults Halloween. All the stories will be
Invite some people you’d like to woven and cobbled together
spend the evening with, book a under a spell of Machiavellian wit
table, and raise a toast To Absent into a single story lasting 12 hours
Friends. Over a simple three course for this very first and one-time only
meal share stories of people who event. Come along if you dare.
have died. Chat away informally, or Hosted by storyteller Alexander
structure your evening around your Mackenzie.
www.tracscotland.org 21.George Macpherson Ossian Supper Samhuinn Fire Festival Scottish Storytelling Centre Edinburgh Old Town | Site-Specific Storytelling Supper 9pm (3hrs) 7pm (2hrs 30) | £25 Free (donations welcome) Adults Adults and children 10+ Discover Ossian – Scotland’s other, The Beltane Fire Society ancient Bard – along with traditions celebrates the Celtic New Year of Fionn Mac Cùil and his warrior by marking the end of summer band. This unique event combines and welcoming the onset of feasting, comradeship, poetry, winter with a stunning torch lit story and song to honour the Bard procession featuring acrobatics, with the kind of evening Ossian fireworks, beautiful costumes and himself would enjoy. Our hosts for breathtaking performances. this Celtic Feasting, interspersed www.beltane.org with Ossian lore, include storyteller George Macpherson and Ruaridh Mackintosh who initiated the Ossian Supper, with further contributions by Hamish Moore, Bob Mitchell, Beverley Bryant and Jill McPherson. The perfect way to end the Storytelling Festival, on Samhuinn Night. 22. Box office: 0131 556 9579
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