Terpsikores is a performance collective working with dance theatre, movement, music and spoken word. Through stories inspired by mythology and folklore, and by exploring themes such as identity, gender, collectivity, and belonging, they connect historical narratives with present-day struggles.
Weaving physical storytelling with elements of ancient Greek theatre, mask work and the use of symbolic props, they bring new life to Greek folklore and traditional music combined with ambient soundscapes. Through traditional forms and contemporary performance methods, they aim to create work that is accessible, thought-provoking and highlighting how old stories continue to be relevant today.
“What the Land Still Knows” is a captivating performance that blends music, dance, and spoken word to create an immersive experience rooted in storytelling traditions. Set against the tranquil landscape of the Glen, the audience is invited to reconnect with the age-old practice of listening in nature, through the harmonies of a single string instrument and the ethereal singing of three nymph-like women.
The narrative draws inspiration from Greek folklore, ancient wisdom and belief, and the story unfolds as one performer dances, weaving between silence and the sound of a tambourine. Spoken word narration, accompanied by percussions, reminds us of our roots through myth and folklore. They speak of spirits residing in rivers, and of interconnectedness between land, memory and one another. They speak of home and homing, and of belonging.
Exploring themes of home, belonging, and identity, the performance reflects on a woman’s journey from birth through migration to home, emphasising her resilience against societal expectations. The performance seeks to serenade, to move and to remind. A quiet passage between the past and present, it encouraging the audience through myth and connection to the land to reflect on their own memories and relationships, and to create a deeper sense of self and community.
