Dance Artist Rob Heaslip revives the cultural tradition of ‘The Strawboys’, as he unveils his vibrant new pop-up work, up to forty times, in several unexpected outdoor locations across Shetland, Orkney, Caithness, the Highlands and Aberdeenshire in July and August 2021.

Strawboys is the second work in Rob Heaslip’s trilogy, exploring rituals of death, life and birth amongst the Gaels, the people on the north-western edge of Europe.

Featuring luminous straw dancers whirling to Balkan inspired beats, the work is a unique spin on the cultural tradition of ‘The Strawboys’, also known as Mummers, Guisers, Burdie Boys and Skekklers. The groups were often identified by their ornate straw costumes while out rambling streets, fields, towns and parks, parading their merriment to the joy of onlookers. Having once thrived across Scotland and Ireland, the tradition is now enjoying a revived interest, notably as the Wren Boys of Ireland and the Skekklers of Shetland.

The performance features professional dancers Jack Anderson, Joanne Pirrie, Taylor Han, Tess Letham. Composers Zoe Katsilerou and Eilon Morris infuse lively Balkan vibes to match the colour popping costumes and woven masks of Costume Designer Alison Brown.

Strawboys is supported by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund. The summer 2021 tour takes place in partnership with Shetland Arts, Lyth Arts Centre, Kristin Linklater, Eden Court, Voice Centre, NEAT and the Barn.

Join us for FREE at the dates, times and locations below…

Wed 11 August | Auckengill – Bramble Cottage Field – pedestrians only (19:30)

Thu 12  August | Thurso Boating Pond (14:00)

Fri 13 August | Rosebank Playing Fields, Cliff Road, Wick (4:00 & 19:30)

Sat 14 August | John O’ Groats – at the Fog Horn (15:45)

Sun 15 August | Northern Sands, Dunnet (12:30)

Thu 19 August | Sinclair Square, Halkirk (16:00)

Fri 20 August | Melvich Beach (15:30) & Melvich Hotel Garden (18:30)

Sat 21 August | Wick – Market Sqaure (13:15) Wick – Braehead (14:30)

Sun 22 August | Helmsdale Library & Community Centre (14:00 & 16:00)

Performances last 25 minutes and are suitable for all ages.