Drift, which previews at Pettycur Bay Sand Dunes in Fife from 26-29 June, is an innovative piece of visual theatre inspired by the true story of Shetland crofter Betty Mouat, who in 1886, aged 61, was the only passenger on the coastal cutter Columbine bound for Lerwick. A storm washed the captain and crew overboard and Miss Mouat was presumed lost at sea.  More than a week later the Columbine grounded in Norway.  Miss Mouat had survived.  She returned to Shetland to live in her croft for another 30 years, a folk hero celebrated in her community. Director, Symon Macintyre says ‘The audience experience Drift wearing headphones. They walk through the installation, discovering images and objects which uncover the thoughts and feelings of Betty Mouat, abandoned and drifting alone at sea.’

After its preview in Fife, Drift will travel to Nairn Beach, before transferring to Skaw (the UK’s most northerly beach) in Unst, Shetland Isles, followed by performances at St Cyrus Bay, near Arbroath, and Laig Bay, Island of Eigg. It will also tour Norwegian beaches in summer 2016.

Drift has been created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company, Vision Mechanics, which has a reputation for staging productions in unconventional spaces. Written by playwright Judith Adams and produced/directed by Symon Macintyre, Drift features music is by Eddie McGuire and vocals by Gerda Stevenson. An international creative design team, including artists Kim Bergsagel and  Tony Reason are collaborating on the installation pieces which will depict Betty’s journey at sea.

The performance lasts 40 minutes. No pre booking is required and entry is by donation.  The production is not suitable for young children. More information is available here.

Photograph courtesy of © lacasta fitzsimmons photography.