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A complete sell out at the Edinburgh fringe this year... we're aboslutely thrilled to be bringing this completely unique and magical show to Cobalt! A perfect nourisher for a dark December's eve...The Young Edinburgh Storytellers (YES) present TÁIN
A cursed bull, a covetous Queen, and two lovers caught on opposite sides of the war… The Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge is retold by the Young Edinburgh Storytellers, passing the narrative between them against a backdrop of shadows, accompanied by a fusion of folk and electronic music.
★★★★★ - BritishTheatreGuide
WINNER - Best Storytelling Award 2024, Derek Newlan Awards
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Táin Bó Cúailnge (known as The Táin) is the Irish national epic myth cycle that revolves around the conflict between the Irish provinces of Ulster and Connacht. Queen Medb of Connacht and her husband and consort King Ailil attempt to steal the Brown Bull of Cooley from the county of Ulster. Their plans are thwarted as the mighty hero, the hound of Ulster, Cú Chulainn stands in their way.
The tale originates in the Irish oral tradition and exists from a time when the only way stories survived was through word of mouth. It speaks of power, corruption, greed, honour and war: issues we still wrestle with in the modern day. Traditionally, the Táin would be told over a whole winter, serving as nourishment and entertainment in the dark months for the people of Ireland, and blessing is laid upon anyone who listens to the whole tale. We do not have a whole winter to tell stories anymore, and the myth risks falling out of the culture, so we are condensing this story down to its bones, which are ancient, strong and, as ever, pack a mean punch!
In this modern retelling, traditional oral storytellers Mark Borthwick and David Hughes explore themes of inequality, gender, class struggles and the impact of war on people and the land. Looking through a contemporary lens, we explore the often under appreciated power of its female main character, and the queer eroticism of the text. This is raw and unscripted storytelling, set to an evocative soundscape of both traditional and electronic music performed live on stage.
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IG: @youngedistorytellers
Please note we are unable to offer refunds.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cobalt Studios CIC, 10 Boyd Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AP, United Kingdom,Newcastle upon Tyne
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