The surprise appearance of peely-wally librarians in Forres town centre and fish way bigger than you could catch at Findhorn pier, brought smiles and joy to passers-by.
The Surge Community Street Theatre project saw people of all ages, from Forres and as far afield as Inverness and Elgin, taking part in a week’s drama workshops, culminating in a two-hour performance on the streets of Forres and Findhorn on Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, four stern-faced librarians made their way through Grant Park in what was a welcome bout of sunshine, past the sunken gardens and along the high street, dancing and twirling as they went, much to the merriment of people out for a stroll to make the most of the weather.
On Sunday, the theatrical group donned fish costumes and dashing and darting through the village and along the shore. Once again being fortunate with the weather, there was plenty of people out on a stroll to soak up the impromptu entertainment.
Year of creative activities
The project was brought here by Findhorn Bay Arts, a Forres-based charity established to deliver arts activities in Moray as part of a year-long programme of creative activities that will be rolled out across the region.
The same project ran in Elgin a few years back with students from Moray College and adults with additional needs from Out of the Darkness Theatre Company taking part and entertaining folks in Elgin too. Surge has delivered this project in communities across Scotland and next year participants will have the opportunity to go to Glasgow to perform as part of their annual Festival.
Findhorn Bay Arts creative director Kresanna Aigner said: “In these extremely challenging times, it is fantastic to be able to safely support people to take part in developing new skills and meeting new people which contributes to positive mental health too.
Social distancing
“Surge Street Theatre is highly experienced at delivering creative activities for people of all ages and put in place robust Covid planning to support volunteer participants to safely take part in the workshops .The participants gained so much from taking part. They met new people, learnt new skills and most of all, had fun.
“It was so heartwarming to see the participants out in this streets practising their skills – I saw older people smiling from their windows and children, children with the hugest smiles on their faces as they strode past. In these dark days…every bit of cheer is so important for our mental health.”
Kevin Riddoch, who owns the The Bike Bothy in the high street, and lives on the route the librarians took, said: “‘The Street Theatre workshop came past our house and the kids absolutely loved it. My little girl was fascinated. It really brightened our day.”
