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Scottish Storytelling Centre
A magical and mesmerising exploration of nature and self, told through Scottish folklore and music.Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Land Under Wave has a truly magnificent opening. The audience are encouraged to close their eyes as the soothing music and storytelling of Mark Borthwick, Ailsa Dixon and David Hughes gently immerse us into the faeries’ Tír na nÓg (the titular Land Under Wave). The lyrical writing introduces a sense of otherness that is subtly familiar and welcoming, along with an inspiring impression of fluid interconnectedness that permeates this production.
This rich tapestry of Scottish Folklore is engrossing and introduces us to an intriguing premise. The audience are faeries who must choose between one of the three stories presented by each of the Young Edinburgh Storytellers on stage. This tale will then be told to humanity: those living above the waves. Each story is grounded in human-animal interaction and intersection: the first revolves around the life cycle of a salmon; the second explores an orphaned girl’s discovery of a kelpie (a shape-shifting water-born spirit); the third is a tale of desperation and redemption, as a seal hunter is forced to confront a fresh perspective of his reality by the King of the Selkies (human-seal shapeshifters). The audience then vote on their preference, which is followed by a final performance that weaves the whole performance together into a satisfying conclusion.
The musical skill of Borthwick, Dixon and Hughes excellently complements their stories, with an evocative soundscape that includes cello, fiddle and electric guitar. Furthermore, each piece is kept unique by their distinctive and charismatic styles of oral narration. Their chemistry with both the audience and each other is palpable, which cultivates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that is simply a joy to experience.
The stories themselves are transformational in their power. Each depicts a wild and mysterious folkloric landscape that is made accessible by the expert storytelling on display. The language is flowing and evocatively subjective, never once becoming prescriptive or didactic. This lends the narratives an enriching quality, as they leave themselves remarkably open to individual interpretation. The plot of each is wild and unpredictable, and the musical accompaniment makes them feel especially fluid. The lighting complements this, colourfully transforming the stage to reflect both tone and setting.
The whole performance explores queer identities in a refreshing context of natural interconnection and fluidity. Our relationship with nature is also called into question, with a focus on reciprocity and a cyclical notion of time. Throughout the performance, hints are also made at the political ramifications of such attitudes. Not once does this feel overwhelming or disjointed. In fact, the whole is consistently powerful, blending past and present to produce an effortlessly stirring piece of folk storytelling.
Produced by: Young Edinburgh Storytellers
Land Under Wave played as part of EdFringe 2023.
