(24 Oct-26 Jan) Weaving is a primary human craft, perhaps one of the oldest of all. This exhibition brings together a variety of beautiful woven rugs, kilims and other textiles to demonstrate how the beauty and complexity of nature is central to the many traditional weaving cultures. Presented by Camille Archer and curated by Andrew Haughton. of The Nomads Tent. Supported by West Lothian Council. Info & Full Programme ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Sat 23 Nov: 4pm) A chance conversation about pioneering female plant hunters sowed the seeds of inspiration for author Fiona Valpy’s newly published novel The Sky Beneath Us. Fiona joins Storyteller in Residence Lindsey Gibb at Cowden Garden to talk about these passionate women who overcame the physical dangers and social strictures of their day to explore the world and discover new plants. One of these trailblazers was Ella Christie, who created the Japanese Garden. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 7:30pm - CANCELLED) Unfortunately this show has been cancelled. It is replaced by Torn from the Same Cloth which will be performed at this date and time. Join storyteller Anna Lehr for a tale about death, birth and what lies “dazwischen” (in- between). This exploration of fear, grief and reconciliation is loosely based on the Brother’s Grimm fairy tale Godfather Death, German songs, poems and traditions, and will feature Death itself in puppet form joining Anna on stage. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 7:30pm - Glasgow - CANCELLED) *Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted directly* Whose tears soak the cloth on our backs? This is the story of a global textile industry and two nations bound by more than meets the eye. This new piece weaves traditional and historical tales from India and Scotland about power, corruption, greed and the ones who fight back. Performed by Kirsten Milliken and Neel Debdutt Paul. Directed by Peter Chand. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 9pm - Glasgow - CANCELLED) *Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted directly* Palestinian poet and dancer Nada Shawa and Scottish storyteller Janis Mackay build a bridge of friendship between Scotland and Palestine, presenting the simple and radical belief that the act of telling stories from our lands - especially stories of loss, friendship and hope - can be instrumental in helping people attempt to retrieve an unravelled sense of identity. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Sat 30 Nov from 2pm & Sun 1 Dec from 1:30pm) A weekend of talks and performance exploring Edinburgh’s rich theatre history, presented as part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations. *On Sat 30 Nov we present a series of free talks with input on the Theatre Royal and Walter Scott’s dramas by Helen Graham, how the Edinburgh Festivals began by David Pollock, the Pleasance and Gateway Theatres by Donald Smith, and the restoration of the Kings Theatre with Charlotte di Corpo. *On Sun 1 Dec we are pleased to welcome biographer Priscilla Barlow to give a pre-curtain talk on her research into Scotland’s vibrant theatre scene in Macrae’s lifetime. *On Sat 30 Nov (7pm) and Sun 1 Dec (3:30pm) enjoy Michael Daviot’s performance as Duncan Macrae in A Noble Clown, his solo play which tells the gripping public and private story of the man considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Full Schedule Sat 30 Nov 2pm: Walter Scott's National Dramas, Charles Mackay and the Theatre Royal (with Helen Graham, author of The Real Mackay: Walter Scott's Favourite Comedian) 3:20pm: Restoring the King's Theatre (with Charlotte di Corpo, Capital Theatres Trust) 4pm: Edinburgh's Theatres and the Edinburgh Festivals (with David Pollock, author of The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography and Donald Smith, author of Edinburgh: Our Storied Town 7pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae (devised and performed by Michael Daviot) Sun 1 Dec 1:30pm: Duncan Macrae: Writing his Life (with Priscilla Barlow author of Wise Enough to Play the Fool: A Biography of Duncan Macrae, and Iain Wigglesworth) 3.30pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae (devised and performed by Michael Daviot) ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 30 Nov: 7pm & Sun 1 Dec: 3:30pm) A new solo play, written and performed by Michael Daviot, tells the story of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967), long considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Featuring excerpts from Macrae’s finest roles in plays such as Jamie the Saxt, Gog and Magog and The Warld's Wonder, as well as his signature song, The Wee Cock Sparra. A Noble Clown also a celebrates the renaissance of Scottish Theatre in the mid-20th Century, delving into Macrae’s passionate advocacy of ‘theatre for everyone’ his championing of Scottish actors through his role in Scottish Equity, and his desire to free Scotland from Westminster control. A performance full of passion and respect for Macrae's public achievement and his private depth. Created as part of the Edinburgh900 celebrations and the Scottish Theatre History Weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Explore Edinburgh as a city by the sea by enjoying this specially created story film. Follow the coastline from Fisherrow, on the boundary with East Lothian, to South Queensferry. A trail of harbours and wildlife havens that glimmers with stories from folklore, history and ecology. Devised by the SISF with storytellers Beverley Casebow, Douglas Mackay, Janis Mackay, Linda Perttula, Nicola Wright and Donald Smith, with music by Kenneth Linklater and the Bowling Ceilidh Band. Produced in support of the Forth Rivers Trust and Restoration Forth, Blue City: A Storytelling Journey along Edinburgh's Coastline is free to access. This film will be available on YouTube from Fri 14 Oct. View the film ~~~~~~~~~~ Over the past two years we have enjoyed being part of a fantastic online storytelling community across the world. We would love to further connect with you in our digital storytelling and development sessions, so whether you are based in Scotland, or further afield, let’s keep that fire lit on our global platforms. ~~~~~~~~~~ In Scotland’s Year of Stories, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Keep It Lit invites everyone to the ceilidh; locally, nationally and globally. At the core of Scotland’s culture and identity is the hospitable hearth - a place of solidarity and welcome for friend and stranger alike. Round that symbolic fire, experiences and memories are shared and hope affirmed.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Green City: Healing and Hope is a new storytelling film exploring the grassroots movement to turn Edinburgh green. The struggle for net zero will be won or lost in cities, so how is Edinburgh doing after 900 years as a burgh? Hear directly from people and places who think global and act local. Green City is a companion piece to Blue City (2022), which explored Edinburgh as a city by the sea. Narrated by Donald Smith, with contributions from fellow storytellers and activists. Co-Directed by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A) & Donald Smith. Produced by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Green City: Healing and Hope will be free to access from Friday 16th February 2024. View the film
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Enjoy several multimedia storytelling performances filmed live in the Scottish Storytelling Centre's Netherbow Theatre in October 2022, where a world of local Scottish stories unfolds through the live voices of traditional storytellers and site-specific film footage of the landscapes they emerge from. Featuring stories from Dumfries and Galloway, the North East, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Perth and Kinross. ~~~~~~~~~~ These live performances were part of Tales, Tongues and Trails, a celebration of regional and international language, landscape and identities for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2022. Map of Stories YouTube playlist of all five Film Ceilidhs Scottish International Storytelling Festival Live filming by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A). ~~~~~~~~~~ Map of Stories is a collaboration between Transgressive North, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland and Rectangle Design, supported by Creative Scotland and EventScotland as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
(24 Oct-26 Jan) Weaving is a primary human craft, perhaps one of the oldest of all. This exhibition brings together a variety of beautiful woven rugs, kilims and other textiles to demonstrate how the beauty and complexity of nature is central to the many traditional weaving cultures. Presented by Camille Archer and curated by Andrew Haughton. of The Nomads Tent. Supported by West Lothian Council. Info & Full Programme ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Sat 23 Nov: 4pm) A chance conversation about pioneering female plant hunters sowed the seeds of inspiration for author Fiona Valpy’s newly published novel The Sky Beneath Us. Fiona joins Storyteller in Residence Lindsey Gibb at Cowden Garden to talk about these passionate women who overcame the physical dangers and social strictures of their day to explore the world and discover new plants. One of these trailblazers was Ella Christie, who created the Japanese Garden. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 7:30pm - CANCELLED) Unfortunately this show has been cancelled. It is replaced by Torn from the Same Cloth which will be performed at this date and time. Join storyteller Anna Lehr for a tale about death, birth and what lies “dazwischen” (in- between). This exploration of fear, grief and reconciliation is loosely based on the Brother’s Grimm fairy tale Godfather Death, German songs, poems and traditions, and will feature Death itself in puppet form joining Anna on stage. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 7:30pm - Glasgow - CANCELLED) *Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted directly* Whose tears soak the cloth on our backs? This is the story of a global textile industry and two nations bound by more than meets the eye. This new piece weaves traditional and historical tales from India and Scotland about power, corruption, greed and the ones who fight back. Performed by Kirsten Milliken and Neel Debdutt Paul. Directed by Peter Chand. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Tue 26 Nov: 9pm - Glasgow - CANCELLED) *Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled, all ticket holders will be contacted directly* Palestinian poet and dancer Nada Shawa and Scottish storyteller Janis Mackay build a bridge of friendship between Scotland and Palestine, presenting the simple and radical belief that the act of telling stories from our lands - especially stories of loss, friendship and hope - can be instrumental in helping people attempt to retrieve an unravelled sense of identity. Bookings & Info ~~~~~~~~~~ 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, SISF has been building bridges between cultures, artists and audiences all over the world through the power of storytelling – connecting past, present and future. This year’s theme is ‘Bridges Between’. At a time where literal, figurative and societal walls continue to be constructed, we invite everyone to look beyond these boundaries and to celebrate the last and the next 35 years of storytelling with us.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Regional Events
(Sat 30 Nov from 2pm & Sun 1 Dec from 1:30pm) A weekend of talks and performance exploring Edinburgh’s rich theatre history, presented as part of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations. *On Sat 30 Nov we present a series of free talks with input on the Theatre Royal and Walter Scott’s dramas by Helen Graham, how the Edinburgh Festivals began by David Pollock, the Pleasance and Gateway Theatres by Donald Smith, and the restoration of the Kings Theatre with Charlotte di Corpo. *On Sun 1 Dec we are pleased to welcome biographer Priscilla Barlow to give a pre-curtain talk on her research into Scotland’s vibrant theatre scene in Macrae’s lifetime. *On Sat 30 Nov (7pm) and Sun 1 Dec (3:30pm) enjoy Michael Daviot’s performance as Duncan Macrae in A Noble Clown, his solo play which tells the gripping public and private story of the man considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Full Schedule Sat 30 Nov 2pm: Walter Scott's National Dramas, Charles Mackay and the Theatre Royal (with Helen Graham, author of The Real Mackay: Walter Scott's Favourite Comedian) 3:20pm: Restoring the King's Theatre (with Charlotte di Corpo, Capital Theatres Trust) 4pm: Edinburgh's Theatres and the Edinburgh Festivals (with David Pollock, author of The Edinburgh Festival: A Biography and Donald Smith, author of Edinburgh: Our Storied Town 7pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae (devised and performed by Michael Daviot) Sun 1 Dec 1:30pm: Duncan Macrae: Writing his Life (with Priscilla Barlow author of Wise Enough to Play the Fool: A Biography of Duncan Macrae, and Iain Wigglesworth) 3.30pm: A Noble Clown, a new play about Duncan Macrae (devised and performed by Michael Daviot) ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Sat 30 Nov: 7pm & Sun 1 Dec: 3:30pm) A new solo play, written and performed by Michael Daviot, tells the story of Duncan Macrae (1905-1967), long considered Scotland’s greatest actor. Featuring excerpts from Macrae’s finest roles in plays such as Jamie the Saxt, Gog and Magog and The Warld's Wonder, as well as his signature song, The Wee Cock Sparra. A Noble Clown also a celebrates the renaissance of Scottish Theatre in the mid-20th Century, delving into Macrae’s passionate advocacy of ‘theatre for everyone’ his championing of Scottish actors through his role in Scottish Equity, and his desire to free Scotland from Westminster control. A performance full of passion and respect for Macrae's public achievement and his private depth. Created as part of the Edinburgh900 celebrations and the Scottish Theatre History Weekend at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~ This event is also part of Fair Saturday, a global mobilisation that aims to create a positive social impact every last Saturday of November, the day following Black Friday, the greatest expression of consumerism. Artists and cultural organisations from all over the world get together in a global festival of arts for change.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Netherbow Theatre
(Online On-Demand) Another Story is our podcast series exploring some of the themes featured in recent festivals. Tune in to hear some wonderful storytellers share their favourite tales and chat about storytelling in Scotland and beyond. So join us for Another Story... Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple, Google and Amazon. Follow us by liking and subscribing so you don’t miss an episode! Listen Here
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Explore Edinburgh as a city by the sea by enjoying this specially created story film. Follow the coastline from Fisherrow, on the boundary with East Lothian, to South Queensferry. A trail of harbours and wildlife havens that glimmers with stories from folklore, history and ecology. Devised by the SISF with storytellers Beverley Casebow, Douglas Mackay, Janis Mackay, Linda Perttula, Nicola Wright and Donald Smith, with music by Kenneth Linklater and the Bowling Ceilidh Band. Produced in support of the Forth Rivers Trust and Restoration Forth, Blue City: A Storytelling Journey along Edinburgh's Coastline is free to access. This film will be available on YouTube from Fri 14 Oct. View the film ~~~~~~~~~~ Over the past two years we have enjoyed being part of a fantastic online storytelling community across the world. We would love to further connect with you in our digital storytelling and development sessions, so whether you are based in Scotland, or further afield, let’s keep that fire lit on our global platforms. ~~~~~~~~~~ In Scotland’s Year of Stories, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival: Keep It Lit invites everyone to the ceilidh; locally, nationally and globally. At the core of Scotland’s culture and identity is the hospitable hearth - a place of solidarity and welcome for friend and stranger alike. Round that symbolic fire, experiences and memories are shared and hope affirmed.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Green City: Healing and Hope is a new storytelling film exploring the grassroots movement to turn Edinburgh green. The struggle for net zero will be won or lost in cities, so how is Edinburgh doing after 900 years as a burgh? Hear directly from people and places who think global and act local. Green City is a companion piece to Blue City (2022), which explored Edinburgh as a city by the sea. Narrated by Donald Smith, with contributions from fellow storytellers and activists. Co-Directed by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A) & Donald Smith. Produced by the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Green City: Healing and Hope will be free to access from Friday 16th February 2024. View the film
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF
Enjoy several multimedia storytelling performances filmed live in the Scottish Storytelling Centre's Netherbow Theatre in October 2022, where a world of local Scottish stories unfolds through the live voices of traditional storytellers and site-specific film footage of the landscapes they emerge from. Featuring stories from Dumfries and Galloway, the North East, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Perth and Kinross. ~~~~~~~~~~ These live performances were part of Tales, Tongues and Trails, a celebration of regional and international language, landscape and identities for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2022. Map of Stories YouTube playlist of all five Film Ceilidhs Scottish International Storytelling Festival Live filming by Sandy McGhie (Channel 7A). ~~~~~~~~~~ Map of Stories is a collaboration between Transgressive North, Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland and Rectangle Design, supported by Creative Scotland and EventScotland as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Online SISF