Press Release
New Shetland dialect production on the way
An exciting new Shetland dialect production is to go on the road around 24 Shetland schools at the start of September. ‘Kirsty & Da Snarravoe Njuggle’ stars young Shetland actress Hannah Uttley who returns to Shetland having just completed a drama course at Stratford University.
“The production uses film, puppets and live performances to create a spellbinding atmosphere” says the Council’s Creative Links Officer Noelle Henderson. “It has been adapted for the stage by Izzy Swanson, Drama Co-ordinator and Dialect Co-ordinator Bruce Eunson and is part of the Dialect Development Project’s work to offer young people a chance to hear dialect in a contemporary setting. The story is told in Shetland dialect and the idea behind it is to introduce and dramatise some of the entertaining stories of Shetland folklore. It’s a great show and is suitable for all the family especially those with children in upper primary. I’d even say it’s a little bit scary!”.
Bruce Eunson sets the scene for the play..... “It tells the story of 10 year old Kirsty who is sent to stay with her granny. She is quickly bored with life in the country and while searching for a signal for her mobile she finds what appears to be an ancient brooch. Then she meets, what she thinks is a friendly pony. It is no pony though...it is actually the Snarravoe Njuggle! Kirsty makes the mistake of getting on the back of the pony, who transforms into a njuggle and in a second, with a flash of blue flame, runs with Kirsty towards the loch of Snarravoe. The njuggle then dives into the water, taking Kirsty down with her. If you want to find out what happens next, you’ll have to come along to see the production!”
The play is appearing at:
24 schools across Shetland during the week of 29 August
The Wordplay Festival at Islesburgh Community Centre on Saturday 3 September at 10.30 and Sunday 4 September at 11.00. Tickets are available through Shetland Box Office.
The production is part of the Dialect Development Project funded by LEADER, Shetland Forwirds, Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Arts. The team behind the show would like to thank Scotland’s Islands for funding towards this production.