THE CULT OF THE DEER MOTHER

MHz

In Development 2020/2021

 A visual theatre production for all ages, celebrating female reindeer farmers and ancient solstice rituals. A story told by an intergenerational cast of women, through intimate storytelling, puppetry, aerial circus and psychedelic music.

Long before Santa charioted his flying steeds across our mythical skies, it was the female reindeer who drew the sleigh of the Sun Goddess at winter solstice. Ever since the early Neolithic, when the earth was much colder and reindeer more widespread, the female reindeer was venerated by northern people. She was the “life-giving mother”, the leader of the herds upon which they depended for survival, following reindeer migrations for milk, food, clothing and shelter.

Featuring intimate puppetry and storytelling, aerial circus and psychedelic music led by an all female intergenerational cast; The Cult of The Deer Mother will gather an array of stories from Celtic, Scandinavian, Russian and Siberia folklore to celebrate female reindeer farmers and shamans.

"Oh wondrous headed doe... Amongst its horns it carries the light of the blessed sun...”
Hungarian Christmas Folk Song.

Supported by Puppet Animation Scotland’s ‘Creative Fund’ 2020 and the Scottish Storytelling Centre

For more information on the work of MHz visit: https://www.m-hz.co.uk/