Handmade Productions presents Tales and Trails: Threshold – Bringing the Light

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 created a series of magical and memorable walkabout performances. Inspired by local folklore and tales from across the borough, these performances took place in the heart of communities, with audiences invited to participate in each event.

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

Who with?

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

Where?

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

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.

DEVISED AND PERFORMED BY

Sandra McCracken: creative lead and lead artist / maker

Gil Burns, Jonny Quick, Tess Hills: devisors and performers

Steve Summers: noises, tech and music

Bird Taylor and Fiona Gale: costume

Boo Mills: creative intern

Andy Fordham: base / trolley construction

Govi Assano, Danielle Lovett and Mel Daniels: artist / makers

Bella Steer: storytelling

Ben Turner: producer and project manager

Folklore folk and advice: Holly Elsdon & John Billingsley www.folkloremythmagic.com

Clare Danon: exec producer