Looking forward to spring, the Scottish Storytelling Centre has teamed up with performance storyteller, Xanthe Gresham Knight and textile artist, Gillian Cooper to celebrate Neolithic sun Goddesses, bringing a new angle to the subject through performance and fabric.
“The connections between Unsung Muses and Her – Forging the lines of Brigid are fascinating’ says Gillian. “With starting points in different cultures, they come together to enable audiences to ponder on the golden goddesses of their own past.“
Her – Forging the lines of Brigid (Fri 30 Jan, 8pm) was commissioned by Glastonbury Festival for their Greenfields site. It is Xanthe Gresham Knight’s attempt to banish the patriarchal voices within her with the help of the great pagan Goddess. As she journeys through Scotland and Ireland uncovering the myths of Brigid – the White Snake, the Swan, the Goddess of fire, healing and poetry – she returns to herself. The show combines storytelling, one-woman show, stand up and performance art: “Her is about bringing our city-soaked souls back to nature!” says Xanthe.
Her is the eighth in a series of Goddess Tales funded by the Arts Council of England. They have been performed at Glastonbury Festival, the Barbican, Soho Theatre, The National, Northern Stage and The Cheltenham Literature Festival.
‘Gresham is a truly great storyteller who unwraps each story like the petals of a lotus flower.’ (British Theatre Review)
Unsung Muses (Fri Jan 30 – Sat 21 Feb) – by Scottish textile artist Gillian Cooper consists of a series of quilted pieces, floating figures and transparent hangings, celebrating the lives and influence of our female ancestors and forgotten goddesses – the “unsung muses” who have shaped the lives of so many people today.
Gillian has incorporated the notion of time passing by creating outlined rather than detailed figures, almost hovering under layers of embellishment and organza; slightly obscured but never forgotten.
The figures are created using painted and hand-dyed fabrics, discarded clothes, fabric remnants, extensive machine quilting and are detailed with oil sticks.
The audience for Her is invited to the exhibition Private View 6 – 8pm on Fri 30 Jan.
Unsung Muses is available for purchase as a whole collection or as individual pieces. Please contact Gillian for pricing details. www.gilliancooper.co.uk
Book tickets for Goddess here | Box Office 0131 556 9579
