Cailleach is a performance-based
piece created in partnership between the Mull Theatre and Sonder Circus. It’s performed and carried out by Lauren
Jamieson, with Joanna Vymeris because the Bride and Ashley Smith because the Narrator.
The trio encapsulate the mythological battle of the seasons, which has been
subtly occurring for generations.
The Cailleach is initially from Gaelic dialect, with
the phrase actually which means “outdated lady, hag”, however was integrated inside
Highland mythology to characterize a being who reigns over the winter seasons. In
distinction, Bride is a illustration of spring-time; she patiently awaits her
season’s return with the entire life and lightweight which comes together with it. This
forty-minute efficiency presents the battle between these two goddesses,
their seasons, and the way every makes an attempt to manage the pure panorama.
From its outset, this efficiency (obtainable on demand and
on-line) is stunningly stunning. It artfully captures the presumed Highland
Panorama, reminding any viewer of the true energy and sweetness within the pure
world. The pure setting is deeply efficient for this folklore-ian retelling
of a maybe forgotten mythology.
What makes this piece so fascinating to look at is the incorporation
of the breathtaking panorama, the mythological story, and using
acrobatics because the means by which to painting it. The usage of trendy
interpretative dance evolves into extra cardio primarily based motion and eventually a
very trendy use of a hoop within the remaining components of the piece. With ballet
integrated in actions, Cailleach makes use of the sculptural nature
of the physique throughout the setting of the woodland panorama, to create an
evocative re-imagining of those nature primarily based legends.
The efficiency permits for a contemporary and refreshing interpretation of highland
goddesses. Jamieson’s efficiency permits for the Cailleach to be
offered as sturdy, highly effective, daring, and courageous, all traits of the
winter season. One vastly admirable high quality to this piece is the fragile use
of costume and the textures inside them. The illuminating high quality of the
varied light-toned costumes forcefully contrasts to quite a few out of doors settings
used. It’s easy, however deeply efficient methods resembling this which add to
the complexity of the three main characters and the pure battle we see
going down.
At its coronary heart, this can be a piece all concerning the battle of the seasons. This provides each narrative and drama to one thing which because of its gradual prevalence in busy, trendy life may be simply forgotten or taken as a right. Cailleach permits for the wildness of ladies and particularly mythological feminine beings to be examined and celebrated. The last word parting message, which encapsulates this efficiency, is that traditions might fade however we will at all times connect with outdated customs and knowledge. This piece is a well timed reminder of the previous energy which each the seasons and mythology had in our society, and that that is one folklore custom which should be cherished and stored alive.
Cailleach is offered to stream on-line till 28 August. For extra data and tickets see Mull Theatre’s web site.
