The Mothers Bones

Source: The List (Issue 582)
Date: 9 August 2007
Written by: Kelly Apter

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Three generations of woman

Inspiration can strike in the most unlikely of places, and for Kath Burlinson it was inside a cave in the Dordogne. Surrounded by ancient drawings, she hit upon the idea of The Mother’s Bones, a show which explores three ages of womanhood.

Portraying a granddaughter, mother and grandmother, Burlinson is not afraid to tell it like it is. ‘It’s quite harrowing in parts,’ she says. ‘It doesn’t skirt away from birth or death, it just says this is part of the whole cycle.’

Having toured various English-speaking countries in the past, Burlinson wanted to create a work which could be performed anywhere. As such, The Mother’s Bones is a physical theatre piece which uses no discernable language – just movement, music, sound and visual art. ‘I wanted to challenge myself,’ says Burlinson. ‘To find a way of communicating with an audience that didn’t rely on language.’

Co-founder of The Weird Sisters Theatre company, Burlinson has won her fair share of awards and critical superlatives. But while her ability to carry a show has never been in doubt, Burlinson is the first to admit that this new piece may not suit all-comers. ‘Some people find it disturbing, some find it beautiful,’ she says. ‘And some don’t get it at all. It’s there for people who are interested in going on an emotional journey.’

Underbelly, 0870 745 3083, 13–26 Aug, 1.15pm, £8–£9 (£7–£8).

More: Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Fringe (Edinburgh Festivals), Contemporary Dance (Dance)

Last updated: 25 Jul 2008 17:14 BST