IN ON THE ACT CREATES NEW THEATRE, MUSIC AND PUPPETRY WITH HIGHLAND COMMUNITIES
Eden Court has revealed full details of In On The Act, a dynamic range of events taking place in community venues across the Highlands this May and June.
From immersive soundscapes and live performances to puppetry, animation and community-driven theatre, these events celebrate the voices, stories and creativity of Skye, Balmacara, Morvern and Lairg. Each piece, shaped by local experiences, invites audiences to reflect on the past, present and future of these unique communities.
Ailie Robertson’s multifaceted soundscape weaves together voices, music and field recordings to capture 101 Ways to Live on Skye.Balmacara at Balmacara Gala Day by Daniel Cullen will be a celebration of local stories through live performance and recorded tales, inspired by the community’s past and future. In The Sway of Morvern, Helen Woolston weaves together puppetry, animation and local talent to explore the ever-changing harmony between land, sea, weather and imagination. Welcome to Lairg, an evening of drama, film and music written by David McNeish, will bring local stories to the stage - capturing the humour, struggles and spirit of the community.
Launched in 2024, In On The Act brings together Highland communities to create original live performances that reflect local voices, experiences and hopes for the future. Through a variety of creative conversations, residents shared their stories and aspirations, inspiring four newly commissioned shows. Professional artists developed these works with local people contributing through workshops and work-in-progress sharings.
In On The Act is supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, one of the UK’s largest independent funders whose key aims include nurturing creative, confident communities.
Susannah Armitage, Senior Producer, Eden Court, said:
“Working with our four community partners and four professional artists for In On The Act has been a privilege and a really refreshing creative experience. These productions are genuinely rooted in the local communities and reflect the wealth of talent, creativity and vibrancy that exists in these four areas. There has been a lot of hard work in connecting with different sectors of the communities and then reflecting experiences in four really different and exciting creative ways, from a promenade in the woods to animation to live music and with performances from community participants both young and old. It is a really important part of Eden Court’s work and I am excited to share these pieces with audiences this summer.”
PROJECT DETAILS BY LOCATION
101 Ways to Live on Skye
Skye Fri 30 May, An Crùbh, Sleat, Skye
Composer Ailie Robertson has gathered the voices of over 100 Skye residents, from ages four to 103, to create a rich, multifaceted collection of recordings that create a soundscape of life on the island. Blending individual stories with collective voices, field recordings and live music from Skye’s finest musicians and the community’s own Skye Wind Band, the performance captures the island’s daily rhythms, challenges, joys and hopes. This unique sonic experience immerses audiences in the heart of Skye, told by those who call it home.
Balmacara
Balmacara Sat 31 May, Balmacara Gala Day, Balmacara
Join Daniel Cullen and local performers at Balmacara Gala Day for a vibrant exploration of life in Balmacara through song, story and performance - including a live performance and recorded stories (accessible via QR codes around the village). Created in collaboration with the Balmacara Community Trust, these performances are inspired by local tales and highlight the community’s efforts to restore the Old Mill Hall.
The Sway of Morvern
Morvern Sun 8 Jun, Drimnin Village Hall, Morvern
Step into The Sway of Morvern, where puppetry, animation and movement are used to explore the ever-shifting balance between landscape, weather and human experience on this remote peninsula. Locally-made sound and visuals have been combined with animated work by Helen Woolston, and the performance is brought to life by Morvern residents, showcasing the region’s rich creative energy. Will you be inspired to influence the balance? Includes live music, composed and performed by Morvern-based musician Lisa Robertson.
Welcome To Lairg
Lairg Sat 28 Jun, Lairg Community Centre, Lairg
What’s good and what’s challenging about living in Lairg? Celebrate the village with an evening of drama, short films and music created and written by David McNeish - all inspired by local voices and experiences. Based on conversations with the community, the show blends humour, challenges and everyday life into a heartfelt performance.
Tickets for all four events are on sale now. For full information and to book, visit eden-court.co.uk/in-on-the-act.