Yarning

“Craft has a rich history of narrative associated with every day and commonplace acts of making. These stories, like the significance of wool or knitting to our social, political and cultural histories, can be powerfully explored through theatre and we are delighted to collaborate with Trevor Pitt to present them to a wider audience”. – Deirdre Figueiredo MBE, Director, Craftspace.

Led with an all-female cast, whose ages span from 30 to 70, the play Yarning weaves the stories of five women who spin tales about how they grew up with knitting. Told as monologues, their individual stories are life affirming and each have an element of surviving against the odds to achieve personal dreams.

‘Yarning’ draws on 10 years working with knitters, spinners and sheep farmers from across the country. In October 2012, Trevor Pitt embarked on this project by taking a road trip across the UK to document personal histories of crafting with yarn. Based on these true stories, yarns are spun by Ashley, Marion, Betty, Greta and Gloria. These women’s stories will be told from knitted benches (commissioned from knitting groups around the country), with the audience encouraged to bring along their own knitting to the theatre. Music will be composed by the prolific Michael Tanner.

Although no longer at MAC Birmingham we're keeping out fingers crossed that Trevor Pitt's new play will be touring again soon.