Forest of Bowland National Landscape

Material Culture Unearthed: Five Verses on Six Sacks of Earth

By artists in residence, Nastassja and Rebecca

 Micro-opera is in production.
Since being in Pendle for our residency on the archaeological dig at Malkin Tower Farm, we’ve been spending time reflecting on the project, trying out some creative ideas and researching the topics that it’s raised for us. 

Last weekend we were able to bring some of that research back to Pendle and invited people to come and find out more at Clitheroe Library, Brierfield Library and Clarion House.

In the reading session in Clitheroe, we read about archeological processes and the experience of being on a dig as well as some writing by Kathleen Jamie and Annie Dillard that offered more unusual perspectives on our relationships with landscape and history.

In the screening session, we shared a varied selection of films including Robinson in Ruins, A Field in England and interviews with archaeologists on the dig and discussed the ways in which history can be connected with the present day.

At the listening session, we focused on field recordings taken on the dig, and reflected on the ways in which sound can connect us with a place.

Last but not least, we ran a singing workshop with some wonderful local singers. We all tried out some different ways of singing and making music together and creating textures with our voices.

These ideas will go on to be used in the final piece! We really enjoyed meeting so many people and learning more about people’s connections with Pendle and its history. 

 

Throughout October we’ll be working more on composing music, creating costumes and a portable set for the performances in November. We’ve begun to try out different fabric dying techniques and the sections of the performance are taking shape.

Visit the In-Situ website for more information about the coming events, or to find out more about the project.