Strawboys

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 ArtsLyth Arts CentreKristin Linklater Voice CentreNEAT and The BarnStrawboys 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