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Festival REVIEW: Scottish International Storytelling Festival - ★★★★

Updated: 22 hours ago



Bridges Between


We’re delighted to present this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival programme for 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.


 

Festival

Scottish International Storytelling Festival


Where?

Scottish Storytelling Centre & Various other venues, Edinburgh & throughout Scotland


 

MIX UP REVIEWS:

Overall (only from what we've seen so far!!!)

★★★★


 

free - Scottish Storytelling Centre


A stunning collection of paintings by Orcadian artist and musician Sarah McFadyen exploring the line between the worlds of fact and imagination, and between the land and the sea. A common thread runs through this work, moving beyond what is near and known, crossing over to the otherworld and then returning with new riches to enhance the cherished treasure and beauty of the place to which one returns.


New work is displayed alongside previous pieces inspired by David Thomson’s The People of the Sea to continue a life-long exploration of this theme.


Stewart - ★★★★

"McFadyen's artwork is the perfect companion to the Storytelling festival this year, exploring the unknown of the sea. It’s a swirling, swooping cacophony of colours that ignite the imagination as the rivers below portray another world. There's something special about that cave baby as well!"



 

free - National Library of Scotland


Learn about Renaissance-era Scotland, from astronomy to 16th-century music and colourful calligraphy. Explore how writers today use the Renaissance for inspiration, and how contemporary perspectives reveal fresh interpretations of the past. Immerse yourself in this period by creating an illuminated letter, adding your stitches to an embroidery, or dressing up as your Renaissance self.


Stewart - ★★★★

"A fascinating little gallery, well set out in specific aspects of Renaissance era Scotland (literature, science, music, etc.). It’s a small gallery and focused primarily on antique books but do take time to explore and you’ll find some treasures.


The volvelle dated from 1551was particularly impressive, a means of studying the moon and astrology it’s a unique feature to the gallery and something I didn’t even know had existed, so I enjoyed exploring this feature.


Meanwhile there’s even room for a bit of dress-up which will appeal to the younger gallery visitors (or the Instagram crowd) and there’s plenty of books to have a look through as well – plenty of Shakespeare inspired picks in there which is always appealing."