Daughters of Sunset

Dartmoor and Exmoor, ruled by Queens

“Dart, Eske, two great beech trees sheltering their flocks”

Set in 1100BC: two queens – sisters – Dart and Eske, rulers of Dartmoor and Exmoor, govern Devon’s matriarchal society. Off the coast, Brutus, an exile from the Mediterranean, has been wrecked by a great storm – unknown to the two sisters.

This outdoor production used large-scale puppetry, live music, dance and drama to tell a rich and fast-paced story of violence, love betrayal and – ultimately -reconciliation.

This production was produced during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Across just 12 days I directed a multi-generational cast of 17, with social distancing measures in place to produce a full-length play.  This production was the culmination of an 18-month Arts Council England-funded project called Moor Voices, of which I was the Project Coordinator.  

“This was a great piece of storytelling, which flowed with faultless continuity from one scene to another. The blend and quality of drama, dance and music in an evocative outdoor setting was totally engaging.” - Audience member, Dartmoor

“The production was a breath of fresh air having not been able to see live performance during the lockdown. The young cast's energy was inspiring and carried the production through a well-mixed array of physical theatre, song, dance and spoken word.” - Audience member, Exmoor