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Watchers of The Skies

by Story Space

spoken-word-and-live-literature, theatre

The fascinating story of Edna Leigh and the secret code in The Odyssey: theatre combined with poetry, astronomy and a live cello soundscape.

about the production

Edna Leigh was born in Kansas in 1916. Her story takes us from the dust bowl of the 1930’s American depression, on a dramatic journey across the Atlantic, to post-war England.This ordinary woman made extraordinary discoveries. Edna stumbled upon a mystery in Homer’s Odyssey, decoding the hidden meaning, which had eluded even the poet Keats over 100 years previously. Edna kept her findings a secret throughout her life. Now Edna’s granddaughter shares this fascinating journey and her family’s discoveries, combining her story with poetry, astronomy and a live cello soundscape.

about the artist

Story Space is based in Herefordshire and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015. It has been developed by Carol Florence Graham- a storyteller, writer and performer- to share stories from real life, myths and legends.

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stage dimensions

width: 4 metres

height: 2 metres

depth: 4 metres

Can be adapted as needed
● 3 hour get in to include rehearsal with venue technician
● Playing space 4m x 4m, black box, end-on
● Two dressing rooms and parking for two cars
Lighting: General states- warm wash, cool wash and a centre stage highlight. Two specials, one for each performer.
Sound: House PA with 3 channels (1 x lav. mic and 2 x xlr from DI). Radio lavalier mic for performer. 13amp power on stage and an on stage monitor for the cello. Cellist will bring a DI box.
No set- props only

Storytelling and theatre audiences
Live music audiences- contemporary classical
Spoken word and poetry audiences
Groups with an interest in astronomy
Groups with an interest in family history or twentieth century history
Creative Writing students or groups and those with an interest in writing poetry and telling their family story
Groups with an interest in classical poetry including English Romantics e.g. Keats, and Greek Epics e.g. those by Homer

A totally immersive experience… I was enchanted and immersed in a journey of the imagination which drew together story, myth, music and the heavens – it left me utterly transformed.

Phillippa Slinger, Manager Ledbury Poetry Festival

We would be happy to work with a BSL interpreter if provided by the venue and could provide a script in advance.

The performance can be combined with a post show talk and informal workshop on telling your own family story and researching family history. This also gives the opportunity to create an interval with the performance and workshop as two halves. This would include the story behind how Carol’s family inherited Edna’s papers, edited and subsequently published her work, as well as a chance for Q&A and to read and handle some of the artefacts from Edna’s life. Carol, the performer, is an experienced storyteller and workshop leader and can also offer storytelling or creative writing workshops tailored to your setting.

£550. VAT not applicable.