With Vergine Gulbenkian
Friday 4th September, 7.30
Chillingham Arms, Heaton
Newcastle upon Tyne
‘State of Matter’ is a show about burning – inflamed by a 17th century love-epic told by Armenian and Turkish bards, held by an Armenian wonder tale and fed by family myths.
“It was beautiful – so connected, superbly crafted and delivered with effortless simplicity. You allow us to really dwell in the moment, to linger in the narrative and images of the story – I think this is a rare and lovely quality.” Nell Phoenix, Torriano Storynight.
Vergine began working on the craft of telling traditional tales 21 years ago, after studying Drama. Her interest led her to research the rich Armenian oral tradition. She is interested in communication through performance, enabling others to tell their stories, and in developing work for different audiences. She is drawn to stories that resonate with her own experience or delicately reveal the majesty of life.
Vergine has performed shows developed from traditional tales and epics in a variety of settings – Arts Centres such as the Barbican Pit, village halls in the Pennines, festivals, museums, schools and storytelling clubs. Songs are an integral part of her performances.
She was Storyteller in Residence for ‘Storytelling across cultures’ which brought traditional tales to schools and community centres in Oxfordshire and regularly works with Education Staff at the Museums in Oxford – performing stories around exhibitions, often combining science and story. In recent years she has been working in schools as a creative partner helping staff and pupils discover the richness of sharing stories.
“Mesmerising… I have never been so captivated.”
Christina Patterson, South Bank Centre Education.
“It blew me away – really amazing voice, and a great sense of tension and relief.”
“The stories sparkle and reflect each other…a lovely quality of stillness and focus in her body and presence which is very strong and captivating.” Audience comments on Cradle.
To find out more or view her repertoire look at: