16/09/2024 Dundee Fringe
Blether’s Scots Language workshop took place during the Dundee Fringe, and I must say- what a lovely addition to this year’s programme! The workshop was run by Taylor Dyson and Calum Kelly, who comprise the Dundee based theatre company Elfie Picket Theatre. As stated on their website: the duo work with music, poetry, and theatre primarily with a focus on contemporary Scots language and working-class stories.
Arriving at the workshop, I felt a little trepidation. Whilst I have been writing casually and academically for many years, this was my first time attending a workshop for creative writing in this sense. It was a small group, and we were lead by Calum and Taylor, both of whom were very welcoming; I was soon put at ease. The workshop was directed towards using Scots language in writing and performance, but the duo was very keen to explore and support the interests of the attendees out with that as well. It began by asking what Scots language meant to us, which was something I’ve pondered but never articulated before in conversation. To hear the room’s answers was incredibly interesting, we varied in some respects and then echoed each other in other ways. Something that stuck with me was something Calum and Taylor said in that Scots language is contemporary as well as historical and, in one way or another, we are all still evolving it without being entirely conscious of the fact.
We then did some work on writing prompts, directed by Calum, and then- because it came to light that most attendees had an interest in performing their work- we did some work on reading skills. I have to say, whilst I have been performing spoken word for a long time, it was both insightful and useful to be shown tips and methods from experienced actors such as Taylor and Calum. The atmosphere was kept light and encouraging, so it felt very low-pressure- as a participant with minimal acting experience- and I was able to have fun with it rather than be self-conscious (which I was a little worried about!). All in all, I got some great advice and the whole experience got my creative energy flowing- I would recommend attending one of their next workshops if you can!
Elfie Picket Theatre will be performing a reading of their work-in-progress play ‘Never Ever Let Me Go’ at Dundee Fringe on Sunday the 22nd September. They also host monthly Scots lead (but really any music, poetry, or performance is celebrated) performance nights with guest performers and an open mic section on the first Friday of every month. (The next shall be Friday the 4th October) It’s always a great night!
Written by Hannah Linda Hamilton, Editor-in-Chief of The Magdalen
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