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Seeds of Memories

Seeds of Memories

theSpace on the Mile

August 22 – 27, 2.10pm

by Gareth K Vile

Recently it has felt like grief is all around us. This piece, from the affecting and lyrical voice of Patrick Withey and packed to the brim with puppetry and poetry, is a wistful and uplifting exploration of the magic of memories and the feeling of loss. Share and explore the beautiful memories we all grow throughout our lives.

Gareth K Vile talks to Patrick Withey

Can you tell me a little bit about your company: how did you come together and is there a particular vision to your work?

Black Hound Productions was formed in 2016, when our Artistic Director Patrick Withey was just 15 years old. After taking part in a summer school at the egg theatre in Bath, Somerset, Patrick decided he wanted to create work with other like-minded young people, and the company came into being.

Since then Black Hound has grown into a fully-fledged theatre company thanks to the support of many friends, family and other creatives as well as the Merlin Theatre, Frome of whom BHP are an Associate Company and the egg theatre, Bath who are supporting Patrick as a member of the Young Creatives scheme.

In 2021 Black Hound Productions were awarded the Best Young Creative Award at the Creative Bath Awards for their tenacious work during the Covid-19 Pandemic which included digital community-based work, a 24hr Live-Stream raising money for the Theatrical Guild and an original Christmas Show which was performed live just before the second lockdowns. Supporting emerging artists and new-writing is at the heart of the work Black Hound creates and we attempt to “evoke emotions and provoke conversation” with work “on themes important to us”.

And for the Fringe: what is your show about, and how do you think it will fit in in Edinburgh?

Black Hound Productions have leapt in at the deep-end for their first trip to the Fringe in its anniversary year with TWO shows heading to the Festival during Week 3. Alright? is a one man show looking at Mens Mental Health in a quick-witted and brutally honest way, however the brand-new production of Seeds of Memories is a wistful and uplifting exploration of grief, and how it feels to lose a loved one.

Seeds of Memories acts as a peaceful almost meditation, allowing rest bite from the bustle of the Royal Mile to sit and reflect amongst birdsong, plants, spoken word and puppetry. Through shared experience, and focused attention to common moments it is possible for most, if not all, audience members to have a deep connection to the content of this show, which focuses on the magic of memories and how they can help us deal with loss.

Catch both shows at theSpaceUK, Space on the Mile, Space 2, from 22nd-27th August. Seeds of Memories at 2:10pm (45 minutes) and Alright? at 18:45 (45 minutes)

Where does puppetry come into the production of Seeds?

Puppetry forms an integral part of the production, within both “worlds” of the piece. We see the character of ‘A’ interact with two magpie puppets throughout the storyline, almost ghost like flying visions and haunting poltergeist like creatures who can define the mood with one for sorrow or two for joy.

Secondly, we explore the relationship of the embodiment of “Nature” and the grandfather, through a series of puppetry vignettes, integrated throughout a piece of spoken word. 

Is puppetry a natural part of the dramaturgy?

Within our piece, puppetry forms an integral part of the dramaturgy of our piece, allowing us to blur the lines between folktale, magic and nature. It is crucial for us to present an other-worldly magical piece of folktale and we use the change in scale, from human performers to puppets, to help change the focus of our narrative.

It was important to us to present “Nature” not only as the ever present and vast unnameable character but also as a more present, personable part of our lives. She is as much the mountains as she is the woodlice in our garages. Our puppets allow us to take an almost cinematic look at scale, whilst also bringing a gentle awe and air of magic that we feel only puppets can bring to a piece. 

Would you see yourselves in  any theatrical tradition or lineage?

No, not at all! We often explore a variety of different styles or traditions, depending entirely on what suits the piece we are currently working on. Despite both pieces being written by our Artistic Director, come along to both shows of ours at the Fringe to see the vastly different pieces Black Hound Productions create.