Strawboys is a vibrant and energetic outdoor pop-up performance, blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary dance and music.
Featuring luminous straw dancers whirling to Balkan inspired beats, the work is a unique spin on the cultural tradition of ‘The Strawboys’, also known as Mummers, Guisers, Burdie Boys and Skekklers; identified by their ornate straw costumes while out rambling streets, fields, towns and parks, parading their merriment to the joy of onlookers.
Composers Zoe Katsilerou and Eilon Morris infuse lively Balkan vibes to match the colour popping costumes and woven masks of Costume Designer Alison Brown.
With support from Creative Scotland and in partnership with Shetland Arts, Lyth Arts Centre, Kristin Linklater Voice Centre, NEAT and The Barn, Strawboys is touring to all kinds of unexpected places across Shetland, Orkney, Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
CREATIVE TEAM
Choreography and Direction
Rob Heaslip
Choreography and Performance
Jack Anderson, Joanne Pirrie, Tess Letham, Taylor Han
Composers
Zoe Katsilerou & Eilon Morris
Rehearsal Director
Kristyn Fontanella
Costume Designer & Wardrobe Supervisor
Alison Brown
Costume Maker
Cleo Rose McCabe
Mask Makers
Hilary Haman, Lise Bech, Anne Aitkenhead
Textile Designer
Lorna Brown at Blessed Unrest
Producer
Helen McIntosh
Production Manager
Fi Fraser
Stage Manager
Francesca Fenech – Tabone
Digital & PR Manager
Karen Steel
PREVIOUS TOURING
SHETLAND
28 July | 12.30 | Mareel
29 July | 14.30 | South Mainland Pool
29 July | 16.30 | Scalloway Pool
30 July | 14.05 | West Mainland Leisure Centre
30 July | 16.30 | Skeld Caravan and Campsite
31 July | 12.00 | Yell Leisure Centre
31 July | 14.00 | Old Haa Museum
01 August | 12.30 | North Mainland Leisure Centre
03 August | 12.30 | Mareel
03 August | 14.30 | King George V-Jubilee Flower Park
ORKNEY
05 August | 18.00 | Bragi’s Open Circle, Sandwich (as part of Kristin Linklater Voice Centre’s Open Air Arts Programme)
06 August | 12.30 | The Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall
06 August | 14.30 | Hope Community Park, St Margret’s Hope (supported by Cromarty Hall)
07 August | 12.30 | St Magnus Cathedral
CAITHNESS
12 August | 14.00 | Thurso Boating Pond (supported by Mill Theatre)
13 August | 14.00 & 19.30 | Rosebank Playing Fields (supported by Wick Youth Club)
14 August | 15.45 | John o Groats, Harbour Terminal
15 August | 12.30 | Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet
19 August | 16:00 | Sinclair Square, Halkirk
20 August | 15.30 | Melvich Youth Club
20 August | 18.30 | Melvich Hotel
21 August | 13.15 | Wick Market Square
21 August | 14.30 | Braehead Wick Harbour
22 August | 14.00 & 16.00 | Helmsdale Library and Community Centre
MORAY
25 August | 15.00 | Universal Hall, Findhorn
26 August | 15.30 | Scout Hall, Portsoy
ABERDEENSHIRE
27 August | 11.30 | South Wing, Haddo House
27 August | 13.30 | The Pheasantry, Haddo Country Park
28 August | 12.30 & 14:30 |The Barn, Banchory