We were thankful to have Scarlet and The Crone Garden group treat us to a beautifully mystical and captivating winter solstice shadow puppet play, in the wonderfully warm and cosy yurt.
As the friends and volunteers of the Whitehawk Project gathered around the fireplace, chatting, sipping on hot tea, and shared stories; the sun was fast setting and the colourful yurt was ready to accept its visitors.
Removing our shoes and entering through the small yurt door, inside was beautifully decorated with foliage, lanterns, detailed animal puppets happily hugging the walls and large cosy, colourful pillows, rugs and blankets spread across the floor.
Across the back of the yurt was the large white fabric, stretched out as the screen, ready to share the Winter Solstice show with us.
As everyone found their place comfortably on the floor, the chatting died down as the soft beat of a drum started out of the shadows, a voice from the corner began to share the story of the Deer Mother. Immersive mandolin and accordion music started, swirling colours appeared on the screen and the series of wonderfully detailed animals and shapes helped share this story to the guests.
The Winter Solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun, the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again.
The Crone Garden Group are a Brighton based shadow puppet troupe. Shadow-puppetry is an incredibly magical art/performance method with strong traditions in Asia, where it fulfils a semi-religious function in communities. They run shadow puppet workshops for all ages including young children and the elderly.
More information can be found on the their website - click here to read more.
Thanks for reading, if you have any questions or would love to join us at Whitehawk, head to the contact section and let us know!