Inspired by St Andrew himself, ‘Fisherman’s Feast’ has received support through Scotland’s Winter Festivals to bring the Galilean fisherman’s story of strength and sociability to life at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, accompanied by a sumptuous three course dinner – and a tasty main of fish pie – celebrating cultural diversity in Scotland through story, music, song and poetry.
Scotland’s patron saint, a saint shared by different European countries, was known for being strong, sociable and fair, encouraging people to share what they had with those in need. Celebrating St Andrew’s Day presents a powerful opportunity for Scots to keep the spirit of St Andrew alive, by coming together and helping others within their community.
‘Storytelling, music, song and dance can play a vital role in promoting understanding between people of different cultures, nationalities and abilities, which makes this the perfect occasion to discover and take part in the traditional arts. (Daniel Abercrombie, Storytelling Centre Programme Manager)
The traditional, creative arts are a vital and diverse element of Scottish cultural life, valued by people and communities – locally, nationally and internationally – whatever their background. They are underpinned by hospitality: sharing what we have to offer as people gather together, by invitation or coincidence, providing a means for voices hidden from mainstream society to be heard, in Scotland and abroad.
‘Fisherman’s Feast’ will embrace music, song, poetry and story with contributions from Mara Menzies, Gerda Stevenson, Carlos Arredondo and Donald Smith – representing Kenyan, Chilean and Irish inheritances.
Storyteller and author Donald Smith, who will recite the St Andrew story, said:
‘Andrew’s story tells of persecution and exile. But throughout he’s a bridge builder, making friends and connections wherever he goes, even as a refugee. That makes him the patron saint of welcome and hospitality, especially in troubled times.’
Carlos Arredondo is a self–taught guitarist, singer and one of the oldest Latin American performers in Scotland with more than 40 years’ experience. His songs and poetry regularly deal with mass displacement of people from one country to another.
‘To be invited to perform for an event dedicated to St Andrew makes me feel part of Scotland and it is a wonderful feeling.’ (Carlos Arredondo)
Gerda Stevenson will be reading from her latest acclaimed book: ‘QUINES: Poems in tribute to women of Scotland’ – a sweep through Scottish history from neolithic times to the 21st century, told through the eyes of women – scientists, artists, politicians, a salt-seller, a fishing fly-tyer, emigrants and immigrants, and a whole football team!
‘Gerda Stevenson’s fabulous QUINES – a groundbreaker of a book.’ (Jackie Kay, The Observer)
Fisherman’s Feast
Sat 1 December, 7-9pm, £15 (£13)
Book Tickets Here: http://bit.ly/FishermansFeast
See the full line-up of events for St Andrew’s Day celebrations at the Storytelling Centre: http://bit.ly/SSCStAndrew
www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com | 0131 556 9579
Lindsay Corr is Marketing and Communications Manager of TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) which is based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
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