Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
‘Spinster’ is a storytelling show that explores the meaning of the word through three Scottish folktales. Spinster is such a loaded word for women, but where did it come from and what does it actually mean? We follow the thread through history, the rise of capitalism, an ancient craft, and the change in folk beliefs to come right back to the here and now.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
The creative team is just me! I was originally commissioned to create a show for the Groam House Museum (a lovely little organisation I recommend visiting) inspired by their collection. I practice spinning in my own craft and looking into the history of flax and linen production made me start to question what a spinster actually is/was. The answer to everything is in folktales, and so a show was woven from history and story.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
This is my sixth fringe, but my first at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. I am so excited to be at this legendary venue that works hard to promote traditional and contemporary storytelling around Scotland all year long. Storytelling is the seed of all other story-based art forms, and it is a great honour to be part of that long-standing tradition.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
This show is steeped in Scotland. All the stories are from Scotland and they weave between pieces of actual history. It highlights, in a world that is becoming more automated and online every day, the importance of craft, community, and the natural world. There’s a trend of #analogsummer and this is the perfect show to complement that movement.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
I’m a transplant to Scotland, but I have been trained as a storyteller here. I also learned to spin here in Scotland. I bring my own enthusiasm and love for this place to the performance, hoping to inspire others to feel the same way.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope audiences will come away with a desire to learn a traditional craft, make something with their hands, reconnect with nature, or just come together with their community. The show is about the word spinster, but you quickly discover that this one word has threads in so many other parts of society. I hope audiences come away thinking about what the word really means and joining me in reclaiming it.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
My ideal audience is anyone looking for an escape from the intensity of our modern digital world. It’s people who love crafts and making things, or just have a little ember of interest in them. It’s people who are interested in that place where history meets story. As always, it’s just people who love folktales.
Who isn’t in attendance? Technocrats, billionaires, climate deniers, and my cats. My cats because they can’t afford the tickets (unemployed), the others because they aren’t welcome.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Relaxing will be of the utmost importance! I shall be doing so by relaxing in the garden (if the weather is nice) or crafting! I am especially excited to see The Corpse Road and The Ostrich Principle (both also at the Scottish Storytelling Centre). I already have my tickets for those, so you should get yours too!
Spinster runs at Venue 30, George Mackay Brown Library at Scottish Storytelling Centre
Runs: 22nd – 30th August at 18:15pm
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’