A full-length film

It's the 24th of the month - so it's time for an update! Actually the fact that the previous blogs were both done on that day is entirely coincidental. 

I've started editing together a full-length film of 'Angus - Weaver of Grass' from filming undertaken at the two Boo shows, and the Square Chapel performance in Halifax. I hope to complete this by the end of next week. It's a joy to watch the performances on film - and I'm quite amazed at how much I can enjoy watching the same pieces over and over while deciding on an edit. Above is our 3-minute trailer - a taster of the performance. 

The news on a future tour is that we're beginning to get bookings - there's a lot of interest in the show out there. But, as ever, there will be a need for some financial subsidy as we can't use any of our Arts Council of England support towards a Scottish tour. Esther tells me that we should know the result of our application to Creative Scotland early in January 2013.

The last leg

From the Comments Book at the Scottish Storytelling Centre:

• One of the best pieces of theatre I’ve seen. So moving. You thought of every detail. A Mhairi – abair gutt alainn – sgoinneil!
• Came from Stonehaven just for this show and am so glad! I have never see such a beautiful play – so sensitively produced (even using technology to enhance the dialogue). I do not speak or understand Gaelic but felt every word and gesture. Thank you. Please come to Aberdeen sometimes. 
• Lovely – scrumptious. Thanks! Loved it…want to come again. 
• Can’t describe how wonderful this was. One of the best things I’ve ever seen in any format. Thanks is not enough. Magical.
• Horse and Bamboo do it again! Wonderful. Magical. Totally captivating, moving in extreme. Finely crafted, exquisite…
• Astonishing story beautifully told. I wept buckets.
• Just as powerful, just as moving as on your first night in Tiree. So clever, on so many levels – I can’t praise the whole company enough for their sensitivity.
• Deserves a Fringe Award and every other award going!! Thank you a thousand times and warmest congratulations on a production that reaches the heart of things through an amazing combination of media and modes of presentation, and a company that clearly chime well with each other to convey a true story in a genuine and utterly memorable way.
• Poetic, beautiful yet heart-breaking. I loved the way you used puppets and masks, music and animation – adding layers to the story and perspectives. Thank you.
• A truly beautiful production; what a wonderful portraying of an incredibly special man. Extraordinary.
• Astonishing production. So powerful – we ran the gamut of emotion – laughter and tears. Great multi-media. Bravo!!
• Superb storytelling – totally absorbing and very moving. A privilege to have seen this!

Now off on the last leg of our 2012 tour; catch Angus - Weaver of Grass while you can!

A few more comments

A few more comments from recent shows of 'Angus'...

"Moved to silent tears"

"Superb, silence of actors highlighted beautifully by haunting voice. Use of puppets, mask and film all added to the production. Wonderful"

"Bha e cho breagha - uabhasach jheir alaimm! Bha na h-ovain iongantach breagha. Cho somplidh ach ag radh moran...ceud taing"

"Absolutely amazing! What a portrait of a soul caught in a world not made for it - who finds healing in a unique connection to nature. Inspiring creativity!! Thank you so much"

"What an amazing show! The best afternoon I've spent in a long time!! I'll be recommending it to everyone I know going to the festival and anyone else too. Thank you"

"Fior, Fior alaimm. Tiam haidh agus tursach - agus cho simplidh! Tapaidh Leibh"

"Thank you so much for this performance - the emotion that is portrayed around such difficult subjects is so much more profound than shown through media like film"

and from the Gairloch & District Times 

"...simple but evocative film sequences, sensitive interweaving of well-chosen and delicately broadcast sound effects, especially of birds and the natural world, contributed to a unique theatrical experience...brilliantly exemplifying the way harmonious use of modern technology can complement, without ever overwhelming, exceptionally subtle professional acting."