Between the Mountains and the Sea
A new folktale for Moray
Between the Mountains and the Sea is an ambitious project, co-creating a large scale outdoor visual theatre production of a brand new folktale in partnership with Moray communities alongside professional local and international artists, cultural organisations and theatre makers.
Imagine walls of choral sound, magnificent sculptural costumes, illuminated cavalcades of storytellers, fiery effigies and quiet exchanges of words of hope for the future.
We are looking for community groups and individuals to take part in the second phase of this exciting project, where we will develop the story uncovered in Chapter One into a shadow play to be performed as part of a winter shindig in February 2025.
Chapter One - The Longest Day (April-June 2024)
Projects as ambitious as this don't happen quickly! It will take place over two years in three phases, or 'chapters' as we're calling them.
Funded by UK Shared Prosperity Arts and Culture Fund and Creative Scotland's Open Fund, Chapter One saw creative sessions with communities across Moray uncover characters and themes for the new folktale.
The story, The Tale of Ailis & Morag, set in the Moray landscape, tells the epic and fantastical tale of how, by bringing communities together, we can create something beautiful and extraordinary.
This chapter culminated in an informal sharing event at Fiddich Park in Craigellachie at the summer solstice on Fri 21 June with food, story, song and artwork created with the community.
Images: Paul Heartfield
Chapter Two - The Longest Night (August '24 - February '25)
The Tale of Ailis & Morag came to life with two magical performances at Lossiemouth Town Hall on 7th and 8th February 2025. Featuring live music, puppetry, and a joyous winter gathering, the event was a true celebration of community storytelling.
Over 100 participants of all ages contributed as puppeteers, choir members, musicians, and makers, bringing incredible energy and creativity. Huge thanks to our audiences, supporters, and creative team, including:
Heather Fulton (Frozen Charlotte), Alex Podger, Adam Csenki, Claire Macdonald, Caitlin Strongarm, Ruth Kent (Dance North Scotland), and Kate Mackay.
If you attended, we'd love your feedback:
Images by Alexander Williamson
And Chapter Three?
Chapter Three - Equilibrium
The ambition for Chapter Three would be the development of the piece into a full large-scale community production, bringing together a large multi-generational community cast, professional artists and massed community choirs to create a spectacular outdoor performance.
We are currently seeking funding/sponsorship for Chapter Three.
With thanks to National Theatre Scotland and Eden Court for supporting the research and development phase of this project through the NTS Discover (Highland) Residency.
Our Partners
Our Funders
