ANGUS MCPHEE - Weaver of Grass


ANGUS MCPHEE or MACPHEE was a crofter from Uist who spent almost 50 years in a Highland psychiatric hospital. During this time he chose not to speak - instead he wove a series of incredible costumes out of grass. These he hung on trees in the hospital grounds.

This blog follows the progress of HORSE + BAMBOO THEATRE as they develop and tour a show about Angus....

Monday 29 April 2013

Welcome to Jordanna


Our first auditions went very well. Alison, Jonny Quick and I auditioned six performers - most of whom had travelled from London or further to Rossendale for the privilege (!). All were very good, but we ended having to make a decision between two we felt to be quite exceptional. In the end we chose Jordanna O'Neill, who travelled from Edinburgh but who is originally from Shetland. Jordanna also plays fiddle, so who knows - maybe some fresh takes on the music this year too?

At the end of this week it's more music - Loz Kaye and I travel up to Glasgow to meet up with Mairi Morrison to try and find her replacement. This is going to be interesting - anyone who saw Angus - Weaver of Grass last year will know how much Mairi stamped her personality and style on the songs and narrative in the show. We're seeing five singers in one day. Keep your fingers crossed for us - I'll report back. 

Thursday 18 April 2013

Angus rides again


Back from a great break in Caceres, Spain, and it was straight into sorting through the 50  or so applications for audition to replace Fran Merriman in the 2013 tour of Angus. Good to see such a high quality of applicant - which means that it has been difficult selecting just the 7 candidates, and a number of really excellent performers had to be rejected because, after discussions with Esther, it's now clear that the person has to be a driver since we're touring with two vehicles. 

There's also the beginning of the tour itinerary appearing. For anyone interested Esther is putting it up on our website as things develop.