Contemporary Ritual Theatre presents
SALT
‘I'm goin' out wi' th' Tide, old wench;
I came in on the Flood.
An' the Sea is streaked wi' Silver,
An' the Sun is red wi' Blood.’
The East Norfolk Coast. 1770.
Man Billy is a pious young fisherman living under the rule of his domineering Mother, Widow Pruttock. Two things govern their life: the herring harvest and devotion to God.
Into this cold and passionate life comes the ageless woman Sheldis, a singer with supernatural gifts. As Billy's infatuation with her grows, his Mother, believing him bewitched, will go to any length to break the spell.
Set in a stark, mythic world, and filled with sea shanties, mummers' dances, hymns and folk songs, SALT is a visceral tale of faith, jealousy and demonic passion.
Cruel North Sea
A song inspired by SALT
written and performed by Polly Wright
Cast
Emily Outred
Mylo McDonald
Bess Roche
Written and directed by Beau Hopkins
Produced by Sarah Calver
Musical Director Anna Pool
Movement Director Sarah Calver
Lighting Tim Tracey
Costume Amanda Harrold and Jacqueline Barker
Hair and make-up Hayley Bird
Body art Suzie Mason
Stage manager Lucinda Bray
Casting Cameron Culver
Graphic design Jason Booher and George Payne
Trailer Marcin Rodwell and Denzil Dean
Photography Peter Morgan
Composer Polly Wright
A work in progress showing of SALT took place at The Drill House in Great Yarmouth in June 2023 as part of an R&D process funded by Arts Council England.
Audience feedback:
"A staggeringly powerful piece of work."
"Visceral, intense and memorable."
“I'm covered in goosebumps. That play made me feel emotions I didn't even know I had.”
