An ancient woman tends the wells that spring from the roots of the tree of life, she has done so for eternity. But now the tree is sickening, its branches which once held wisdom are withering, the wells drying up. The old woman, guardian of the tree, sets out on a journey to find the cause of the tree’s ailing. Travelling branch by branch, she learns of the sicknesses plaguing this tree – amnesia, trauma, fear, disconnection and greed. With the courage of her tongue, that weapon of the witch, she bids us speak of them. By naming and remembering, by weaving ourselves back into accord with the land, the tree begins to revive and recover. But the old woman’s journey is not yet complete…

This show is the first chapter in a longer project that is still in process. It is woven from several years of roaming the land, researching, mulling and intuiting, in collaboration with musician Ruth Gordon, and from the River Walk I am undertaking with the Little Avon River. It is an exploration of the dis-ease of modern culture and the wisdom and guidance present in nature, stories and the history of old Europe. Original stories are woven from myth and the dreamings of the land, interlaced with tales of our real-life adventures, accompanied by a live musical soundtrack, Ruth’s enchanting voice and a heavy dose of humour. See more here for our latest news and performances or to book us for your venue.

Reviews

“I found Healing the Tree, Healing the Tongue to be one of the most insightful and moving evenings I have had. It felt like an important communal experience to move forward with the process of finding remedies to all of our internalised misogyny, our generational traumas and our separation from each other. Performed with such subtlety, skill and strength, dancing the line between light humour and dark depths with ease. I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment.” – Amy Cairns

“Incredibly moving and evocative, beautiful story and truth tellers, wonderfully held” -Sofia Zervudachi

“… engaging and powerful, beautifully told and evocative of the deep changes we are going through and must go through, as people and as a culture. I came away feeling enriched moved and having participated in a shared experience of meaningfulness, and having delighted in the playfulness and creativity with which you explore such potent topics. In awe.” -Stuart F

More here.

Photo Credit: Ben Riddel