Strawboys

STRAWBOYS is a vibrant and energetic outdoor pop-up performance, blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary dance and music from Scotland and Ireland.

Featuring luminous straw dancers whirling to Balkan inspired beats, the work is a unique interpretation of the cultural tradition of the strawboys; also known as Mummers, Guisers, Burdie Boys and Skekklers of Shetland. They are identified by their ornate straw masks 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 Rob Heaslip’s energetic and woven choreography.

To-date Strawboys has completed two national tours of Scotland and one of Ireland supported by Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Ireland. In 2022 it was programmed as part of the Made In Scotland Showcase for Edinburgh Fringe Festival to sold-out shows.

The work specialises in visiting rural communities, with a focus on village halls and grounds, school yards, promenades, gardens and other places of cultural significance.

Working with presenters/promoters we will identify and mutually agree performance locations. We will supply two performances per day, at the same or different locations within the presenters catchment area.  Where more than one performance is not required, we encourage promoters to share the performance day with a neighbouring promoter/presenter.

Different locations must be no more than 40 mins drive apart.