Following on from last year’s excellent Land Under Wave, the Young Edinburgh Storytellers are back with a fresh take on Irish myths and legends, focusing on the tale of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the warring lands of Ulster and Connacht and the legendary Cú Chulainn.
The setting is intimate for the sold-out show; as we file in we’re given homemade shortbread from a big tin and a dram of Irish whiskey, and take our seats around a rug. It has the feel of a cosy fireside storytelling session, and Mark and Davey make us feel right at home by their hearth.
Much of the Ulster Cycle was bowdlerised in the Victorian era, so it was good to see the YES duo tell it in all its glory. In particular, the queer overtones of Ferdiad and Cú Chulainn’s relationship are explored, as are Queen Medb’s menstruation and the source of the pregnant Queen Macha’s curse on the Ulstermen. They pull no punches with their narration; it’s gruesome, harrowing in places, but always compelling. Raging fires, fearsome creatures and deep waters are conjured up with simple lighting, and the soundtrack of gentle synths, rhythmic guitar and urgent fiddle really bring the story to life.
What struck me was the themes that are depressingly still topical: the futility of war, the eroding of dignity and consent regarding women’s bodies, and ‘forbidden’ relationships. And hopefully like many of the audience, I’m keen to read more into little-known Irish myths!
Those who tell the tale of Táin – and those who listen – are considered to be blessed, and I certainly feel lucky to have spent another hour in Young Edinburgh Storytellers’ company.
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Táin is at Scottish Storytelling Centre on 11-18, 20-25 Aug