Epic New Show “Stranger Beasts” Set to Dazzle on Cornwall’s Tin Coast

Wildworks Theatre to Present a Spectacular Outdoor Production

Wildworks Theatre has announced its latest ambitious production, “Stranger Beasts,” set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall’s Geevor Tin Mine. Running from September 18 to October 6, 2024, this outdoor show promises to be a highlight of the autumn cultural calendar.

A Celebration of Cornwall’s Landscape

Renowned for its innovative landscape theatre, Wildworks will use Cornwall’s breathtaking scenery as a central character in “Stranger Beasts.” The story centres on Belerion, a girl born of a cosmic mother and an earth-born father, whose destiny intertwines with the fate of her land and people.

Rooted in Myth and Fairy Tale

Artistic Director Mydd Pharo, who conceived the show and co-wrote it with Mercedes Kemp, describes “Stranger Beasts” as a love song to the land and a wild cry to the skies. The production draws inspiration from classical myths such as Cupid and Psyche and the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast.

Mydd Pharo commented, “This promises to be one of our most ambitious productions, with a bold intention to embody Cornwall and its incredible landscape in human form. We are setting the story in the most dramatic of places – among the spoils and ruins of a rugged tin landscape at the end of the land with the wild Atlantic beyond.”

A Tale of Transformation and Acceptance

The narrative follows Belerion, who grows up wild and motherless. As she reaches womanhood, she faces exploitation and unwanted femininity. Her turmoil brings a mysterious Stranger to the shore, and together they journey through the Thin Place, a liminal space where they can find love and acceptance of their strangeness.

Mercedes Kemp, co-writer, explained, “Stranger Beasts will explore the spirit of place that inhabits the wild Tin Coast. The character of Belerion embodies a land scarred by mining, a ravaged landscape. The arrival of a Stranger gives Belerion a chance to love herself again, to find the wildness and the strength in her wounded body to face future storms.”

Community Engagement and Cultural Heritage

“Stranger Beasts” marks the culmination of a series of Wildworks-led activities under the banner “We Are Shining.” This extensive programme has been the largest theatre engagement ever staged in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, backed by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A key component of this initiative is the “Hello Stranger” community engagement programme, which reaches out to diverse communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including the Cornish diaspora and new residents. This project aims to create “Cornwall Erratics,” an online Human Archive documenting the memories, experiences, and hopes of people who, like erratic rocks moved by glaciers, have become part of Cornwall’s new landscape.

Jack Roberts, Operations Manager at Geevor Tin Mine, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are very excited to be working with Wildworks on this groundbreaking project and to host Stranger Beasts in this iconic location. We are delighted that Wildworks recognise the importance of our site and how it is intrinsically tied to Cornish identity.”

About Wildworks Theatre

Based in Truro, Wildworks Theatre is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving public funding through 2023-26 thanks to National Lottery players. The company is known for its powerful, site-specific performances that deeply connect with local landscapes and communities.

For more information about “Stranger Beasts” and the “Cornwall Erratics” project, visit Wildworks Theatre.