Lullabies and Love Stories Review

Eloquent and expert tellings

Sitting in a bright room, surrounded by Warhammer models and sipping an expertly made coconut and pineapple smoothie, I really did wonder how great stories would be brought to life by the unassuming, long-haired, young lady sitting in the corner waiting to perform. There was no need for me to worry.

From the second Maya strode onto the performance area, dressed in traditional folk costume and covered by a long, heavy cape, I was mesmerised. As she flung off the cloak, her commanding presence became quite evident, and I was quickly bewitched by her obvious talent for storytelling and ability to bring characters to life. 

Focusing on the dark and often bloody fates of women in traditional folklore and fairytales, Maya expertly took us on a journey through ancient Greece, the Apalachian mountains, dark forests and the Alaskan coast, as we were treated to eloquent and expert tellings of the woman who lived there. At times, a poet, at times a musician, it was never in doubt that Maya was a performer. 

As she regaled the unfairness of life for women throughout time and place, I hung on her every word, waiting to find out the fate of these poor women and the heroes who involved themselves. What was interesting was that although this was a show about women, at times we saw a glimpse of the futility of life for men also and as the performer declared, she does not hate heroes, just what they become. Does this offer the audience the chance to change the narrative? I think so. 

It was a beautiful, absorbing 45 minutes where I didn’t check my watch once, where I was tossed about with these women and invested my time in their plight. So absorbing was our bard that I forgot my surroundings, but if I was to offer one wished for amendment it would be to hear this performance again, sat in some wooded copse, firelight dancing on my face and really returning to a time when stories were entertainment and the oral tradition was deeply embedded in people’s lives. I can only congratulate Maya for continuing this tradition and giving it a continued place in a society that seems to be losing its way from the simple storytelling traditions of old. In an age of CGI and old epic stories played out on mega screens, ruined by aestheticism and consumerism, it was a real privilege and joy to see stories stripped back to their basics and brought to life by talent alone. 

I left feeling like I had been truly entertained – exactly how one should feel when the real power of story is played out. I would love to see Maya bring more stories to life – just maybe beside the firepit next time.