Egrets we’ve had a few … but not this performance
A graceful white heron with dainty yellow feet that has been forced to move north by climate change will be celebrated in a musical and visual performance showcasing the resilience of nature.
Native to southern Europe, the little egret has made the long journey north to Scotland and the ‘Meteoric Rise of the Little Egret’ at the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh at 2pm on Sunday July 12 will focus on the species populating the River Tweed in the Borders.
The little egret is a true survivor as it was consumed in huge quantities in the past. In 1465 a banquet in Northumberland in honour of the Archbishop of York included 1,000 egret, amongst other delicacies.
It was also hunted in the quest for plumage to adorn hats in the 19th century which led to its near extinction.
Funded by Destination Tweed and the Lottery Heritage Fund, Borders-based Riddell Fiddles’ community project uses local photographs and music written specially for the performance to lament the past and celebrate the future of the little egret.
Five pieces of new music have been composed for the production by Donald Knox, Louise Douglas and Emily Jones.
The musicians bringing the tunes to life are Sheila Sapkota, Louise Douglas, Karen Hendry, Kim Hendry, Emily Jones, Andrea Pogson and Sandy Batchelor on the fiddle. Donald Knox will play the guitar and David Scott is on percussion and visuals.
Photos and film of little egrets on the River Tweed and its tributaries have been provided by local photographers Alistair Cutter and Richard Jackson and these will be shown in the performance along with a few images by David Hall of Hall of Einar.
Tickets cost £8/£6 at www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.