Gilgamesh- the world’s oldest story

In association with The Horse & Jockey Hotel

Long before writing was invented, story-telling was both a form of entertainment and a way in which myths were handed down. The Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh, incised on clay tablets centuries before the Bible, contains such things as the flood and man’s quest for immortality. Story-tellers in many cultures illustrate their narrative with images. In this performance the story is told with a background of light and shadow, populated with the figures from the tale. Music also often supports or accompanies story-telling and here it provides a third element creating a blend of word, image, and music.

The show, which will last about 45 minutes, will be presented by a live narrator and musician. Characters and moments of the story will appear and merge as shadows on a screen and draw the audience into the world of Gilgamesh.

Dr. Martin Worthington will give an expert introduction detailing background information on Gilgamesh, one of the world’s oldest known stories.

Shadows executed by Sacha Burette.
Music/sound Gerry Anderson.
Direction, lighting design and narration John McCormick.
Operation of shadows and lighting Margot Jones and Sacha Burette.
The text used is based on the recent acclaimed translation of Gilgamesh by the Danish poet and Assyriologist Sophus Helle.