Seolh
(in development)
Seolh is based on the Scottish myth of the "selkies", mythic sea creatures, half woman, half seal, that embody the human quest for freedom.
As the story goes, the selkie woman emerges from the ocean and removes her seal skin to bask in the sun on land. Her skin is then stolen by a man and in that theft she is bound to him until her skin is returned to her. During this time she may marry, bare children, and create a home with this man, all the while the ocean remains, beckoning her back. Inevitably the selkie finds her skin and must return to her wild nature, trading the life she has created on land for her first home, the sea. This piece investigates the ties that bind us both natural and constructed and the often painful journey of discovery that brings to light our true identity full of resilience and freedom. The story is told through the bodies of three women, representing three distinct iterations of selkie. Through these women the piece explores a multitude of characteristics that are exemplified in the selkie story such as seduction and danger, conflict and tenderness, wisdom and weathering.
Further inspired by the seductive powers of the songs and incantations commonly associated with folklore creatures, the piece will explore music, composed and sung by Bre Short, that evokes haunting feelings of living memories and missing parts.
Premiered in 2023 at RADFest in Kalamazoo, MI.
75 minutes - 3 dancers, 1 musician
The creation of this piece has been supported by The Dragon’s Egg, Arts on Site, Peaceable Barn, Homeport Art House, Windhover Performing Arts Center, and The Croft. Photo - Robert Pushkar