Tales and Trails

THRESHOLD

Night falls, and something changes. The threshold of our world glimmers and shifts.

The old folk told stories of creatures and characters, legends too outlandish to believe. Strange noises, mysterious happenings beyond our understanding. It is said that we might catch a glimpse of something magical, if time and place allow. Only the fortunate few will truly see, and then the story will be theirs to pass along.

So join us, if you dare. Look again at your surroundings, with fresh eyes and eager minds. Perhaps, if you’re very lucky, you’ll see something change. Follow the flicker at the corner of your eye, at the right time, in the right place.

At the threshold, when night falls…

Welcome to Calderdale Tales and Trails

What is it?

Working in partnership with communities and organisations across Calderdale we will create a series of magical and memorable walkabout performances. Inspired by local folklore and tales from across the borough, these performances will take place in the heart of communities, with audiences invited to participate in each event.

Music and storytelling will be key to these intimate and illuminating performances throughout the streets and communities of Calderdale. Tales and Trails will be rooted in local traditions, people’s relationships with each other, lives that came before us and the distinct landscape we live in.

Who with?

The performances will be inspired by conversations and engagement with local residents in:

• Brighouse (Focus for Hope)
• Calder (Reach4Ward)
• Cornholme, Todmorden (Calderdale Community Cares, The Lionesses)
• Halifax (Indentity)

We will be working with The Folklore Centre, drawing on their rich expertise in the magical world of local storytelling, myth, and legend.
The Makery and Noisy Toys will be the lead Creative Technologists. The performance will have interactive features and special effects using discarded e-waste. Eco sustainable design and reuse of tech waste will be at the heart of the physical making of this project.
Students from Calderdale College will be joining us for elements of the making process.

Where?

We will bring this captivating performance to the doorsteps, neighbourhoods and community spaces
of the people we work with throughout the project. They will invite friends, family and neighbours to join them for a memorable, bespoke event.

When?

The performances will take place in early evenings in February 2025, dates tbc with each hosting community. Research, design, making and community engagement will be happening throughout 2024.

All good tales – and trails – have a beginning, middle and end … including ours!
Summer what’s our story? EXPLORING: asking questions
Autumn where does it go and what does it look like? MAKING: with groups
Late Winter, as the light starts to return how will we celebrate? SHARING: in neighbourhoods at dusk. We will bring this captivating performance to the doorsteps, neighbourhoods and community spaces, decided upon by the groups and people we work with.