On Tour: Borderlands

To celebrate the 30th year of their existence, Dudendance take on the outdoors with their latest physical theatre production called Borderlands. As the title suggests, this involves a series of site-specific performances in the Scottish Borders. More specifically, Dudendance plan to perform Borderlands in three abbeys in Kelso, Jedburgh and Dryburgh. These three lie along the Borders Abbeys way, a circular route 68 miles long that links the four ruined abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose.

Historically, these abbeys have been used by various religious orders since medieval times, and then inevitably were caught in the middle of the wars between Scotland and England. Eventually, destroyed by the Reformation, the remarkable structures left behind are a testament to the constant disputes over the territory, this seems an ideal place for Dudendance’s interpretation of invasion, and conquest. It coincides nicely with the hundred-year commemoration of World War I, and the Scottish independence referendum. With costumes designed by Heather MacCrimmon and inspired by Renaissance paintings and minimal technical production, the experience promises a fresh perspective on both performance and history, as well as haunting visuals.

However, Borderlands is not the only event the Aberdeenshire-based company are hosting for their 30th. The company is also putting together a special event for the Queen's baton relay in the same month, as well as a sculpture workshop in July. Dudendance's celebration will be wrapped up at the Huntly Halloween Festival, during which the Borderlands piece will be reimagined inside Huntly Castle. [Eric Karoulla]