Multimedia Half Life show planned for the Kilmartin Valley Argyll

Submitted by Andy B on Monday, 06 August 2007 Page Views: 4295

Country: Scotland County: Argyll
Internal Links:

**Achnabreck** submitted by mickb1953 : Achnabreck carvings. An example of one of the most common motifs on these extensively carved rocks - this photo shows a cup and 5 rings with a gutter. There are two main outcrops at NR885906/857906 and 856905. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Atmospheric forests and ancient Scottish burial sites provide the setting for Half Life, a monumental art installation staged around Kilmartin Glen in Argyll this September. Creative director Angus Farquar has pioneered this work, co-produced by environmental arts charity NVA and the National Theatre of Scotland.

The event will tell audiences the story of Scotland's early Neolithic inhabitants through the media of art, drama, music, lighting and design.

During the day, visitors will be invited on a series of historic walks through the Highland landscape to see bronze-age hill forts, chambered burial cairns and configurations of ancient standing stones. In the evening, an outdoor production will be staged around a circular set by designer James Johnson, constructed from hundreds of felled logs.

Built in partnership with the Forestry Commission, the dramatic wooden structure is 'designed to echo certain features of the area's rich history', says Johnson, and 'provide a canvas upon which the entire experience can be pinned'.

'It is an expression of circularity - of the motion of the nearby Corryvreckan whirlpool, the shape of the local wood henges and grinding mill stones, and of the circular motion around the North Pole and North Star,' he says.

Although the central wooden structure provides the focal point for the fortnight's festivities, the Argyll project is a collaboration between lighting, sound and set designers from all over the UK and beyond.

'It's an incredible way for people to enjoy the surrounding landscape, and to give it enhanced meaning. It's really powerful stuff,' says a spokesman for NVA.

Farquar also produced the acclaimed installation 'The Storr: Unfolding the Landscape', which took place in 2005.

The event takes place from 4-16 September this year. Further details can be found at www.halflife.org.uk

Contributor Bio for Andy B: Megalithic Portal Founding Editor.

<< Evening Stroll around the Stonehenge Landscape, 15th August

Events

NEWalks Weird Weekender, 8th/9th of September 2007 >>